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David Phillips Obituary
David L. Phillips of Clarks Green died Saturday at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, from complications from COVID-19. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Grace Donohue.
Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late John and Alice Polubinsky Phillips and was a graduate of the University of Scranton and the Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. He served as a captain in the United States Army Medical Service Corps. He was a member of the Church of St. Gregory, Clarks Green.
For the last 10 years, he proudly served as a licensed social worker at the Geisinger Community Medical Center. He held several roles in the local social work community including professor at Marywood University School of Social Work, director of adoption at St. Joseph's Center (Scranton) and Catholic Social Services (Luzerne County). Throughout his career, he also had a private practice in both individual and marriage counseling.
He is survived by his sons, David Phillips (Nancy Rayment), Christopher Phillips (Jennifer Adams), Timothy Hayden (Kristin McNerney); and daughters, Maureen Ryan (John) and Suzanne DiMartino (Joseph). He is also survived by his brother, Paul Phillips; and sisters, Loretta Beers and Linda Estock.
Dave's life was dedicated to his faith, his wife and his family. The joy brought by his 15 grandchildren, Jack, Maggie, Kathryn, Sydney, Patrick, Henry, Quinn, Tommy, Cecelia, Grace, James, Molly, Laela, Julia and Ryan was palpable and will remain forever.
Dave was a reflection of his Jesuit education and lived out the mantra of St. Ignatius of Loyola as "a Man for Others." He brought life, joy and care to all who knew him.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be at the Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton, Pa. At a later date, the family will host a Mass to celebrate David's life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made to the Scranton Preparatory School Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements, Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Phillips
Sponsored by Albert P O'Donnell Funeral Home.
Bill Frye
December 9, 2024
We hope family and friends will comfort you today, Mary Grace. With love, Bill and Karen
David Ritter
January 7, 2021
CCHS 1965 and U of S 1969; Spring Break, Mardi Gras, Royal Rifles and the dorm room next door. A really good guy and the world is less of a place without him. David Ritter
Linda Estock
December 18, 2020
David was my oldest brother, it was always a joy to come to University of Scranton to visit him with mom and dad. I will miss him
Andrea Cooper
December 18, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about Dave. It was a pleasure to know him when I worked at Friendship House. He was such a nice man. Sincerely, Andrea Cooper
Margy Kester
December 17, 2020
I worked with Dave for years . He was a wonderful man and social worker. He will be missed by the staff all over.
JOSEPH and JUDITH MANLEY
December 17, 2020
Mary Grace,
Very sad to learn about Dave's passing..
Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Edward Batzel, MD
December 16, 2020
Saddened to hear of your passing Dave. Always respected your compassion and work ethic.
I will miss our short, often humorous chats during our days at CMC.
Condolences to your family.
Renee Blakiewicz
December 16, 2020
I had the opportunity to work with Dave, he was a sweet human with a great sense of humor and a love for teasing. He will be missed. Condolences to his family, whom I know he loved dearly.
Gerri Sanitate
December 16, 2020
Dave was the kindest man I know He helped me through a few tough times and I will never forget his kindness Dave's wife is the perfect mate for him They really were a match made in heaven My heart is broke Rest in peace
Debbie Mecca
December 16, 2020
Dave was a wonderful spiritual person and a compassionate case manager. I had the pleasure to work with him at GCMC. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and the patients he assisted with. Rest in peace my dear friend, you will be missed dearly.
December 16, 2020
Dave will be so greatly missed by his GCMC family. There wasn’t a day that his dry humor didn’t put a smile on my face. It’s been a pleasure to have worked with him for the past 8 years. Sending love to you all. Christa Lucas
Bill Frye
December 16, 2020
Mary Grace, David’s sudden passing is incomprehensible. We remember you, David and your family in our prayers. With love, Bill and Karen Frye
Marianne and Frank Gilmartin
December 16, 2020
Mary Grace,
Dave was a perfect, family- centered gentlemen and professional, and the whole community was better for it. Hugs and prayers at this difficult time.
Denise Shandra
December 16, 2020
My sympathy to all of Dave’s family! I know how much family meant to Dave.
I worked with Dave several years ago ...we were friends. I have brought up his name to colleagues every year when we are getting together gifts for an Angel Tree for children we serve through Youth Advocate Programs. Dave ran the biggest and best gift giving program for countless children making sure each child’s gifts were special to them. Dave is remembered for many things I am sure but to me his kindness, generosity and compassion for children was appreciated and admired.
Don & Jeanne Loftus
December 16, 2020
Mary Grace and family,
Jeanne and I send our condolences on the loss of Dave. He was a great guy. May he Rest in Peace!
Mary Lou (Morell) DelVecchio
December 16, 2020
Mary Grace and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Lou and Jim Burne
December 15, 2020
Dear Mary Grace and family,
Our sincere sympathy at this sad time. What a wonderful man and neighbor Dave was. We are so sorry for your great loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
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