Philip Stanton Hall

1934 - 2024

Philip Stanton Hall

Florence, MA - Philip Stanton Hall of Florence, MA passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89.

Philip was born January 30, 1934 in Bennington, VT to the late Richard H. and Diantha (Lyman) Hall. He was a proud graduate of Bennington High School (1951), Carleton College, in Northfield, MN (1955), and Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, MA (M.Div., D.Min.). In 1959 Philip fell in love with and married Jane Parrish, and the two began a ministry together, serving in United Church of Christ parishes in E. Barre, VT (1959-1964), Randolph, VT (1964-1971), and Amherst, MA (1971-1995). Following his retirement in 1995, Phil and Jane relocated to Florence, MA, and Phil went on to serve as an interim minister at the Haydenville Congregational Church in Haydenville, MA which became his church family in his later years. Phil and Jane moved to Linda Manor Assisted Living and Extended Care in Leeds, MA in 2019, and felt blessed to be part of the caring, compassionate community there.

Phil had a still, loving presence, and was deeply moved to connect with each person he met, whether through fellowship, friendship, prayer, poetry, contemplation, painting, or woodworking, all with his engaging sense of humor and bright laugh. Together with Jane, they strove to serve those in need, working to make everyone feel welcomed, accepted

and heard. They were dedicated to sharing their time and resources to better their community, with the intent to strengthen relationships and create possibilities for others. Phil was passionate about his service on the Sojourner Truth Memorial Committee in Florence, MA, and was proud of the committee's work to erect the memorial statue in her honor in 2002.

Phil had a profound appreciation of nature, and wherever he lived he remained deeply connected to his family and roots in Vermont. Throughout their life together, Phil and Jane adored summering at Jane's family cabin on Queen Lake in Phillipston, MA, where he loved to go for long walks through the woods, read or paint at his easel on the porch, marvel at the sunsets from the dock, and do crafts, fish, swim, and converse with each of his six grandkids, who were his pride and joy.

Philip is survived by his daughters Susan and her husband Jim McGerigle of Bradford, MA, Rebekah and her partner James Sanchez of West Springfield, MA, and Martha and her husband Brennan Prevatt of Los Angeles, CA; his grandchildren: Erin, Lindsey, Ian and Corbin Blight, and Simon and Isaac Prevatt; his siblings: Joseph and Mary Hall of Bennington, VT, John and Donna Hall of E. Montpelier, VT, and Harriet Beattie and Fletcher Manley of Lancaster, NH; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Jane, the love of his life and partner of 62 years.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Philip's memory to the Sojourner Truth Memorial Committee (Box 60405, Florence, MA 01062; https://sojournertruthmemorial.org) which awards high school scholarships and develops programs to promote racial and social equality. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME of Northampton has been entrusted with his care. To leave the family a personal condolence, please visit www.Drozdalfuneralhome.com