JOHN W. PHYLIS

1933 - 2021

PHYLIS, John William "Jack" Retired Wayland Police Chief John Phylis, 88, of Middleborough, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2021 in the loving presence of his family. He was born in Natick on January 25, 1933, the oldest child of John W. Phylis and Edna M. (Sabean) Phylis. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Janet M. (Cook) Phylis. They have been together since their first date during sophomore year at Wayland High School. Jack was the proud father of his son John Phylis and his wife Ellen McKenna and his daughter Deborah Kryzak. Jack loved his grandchildren, Cassi Kryzak and her husband Liam Collins; John Kryzak and his wife Brynn; Heather Kryzak and her husband Joshua Jarrin and Jesse Kryzak. Cherished great-grandfather of William Kryzak; Ryan Kryzak and Genevieve Collins. He was predeceased by his grandson John Matthew Phylis. Jack is also survived by his sisters Pamela Rice and Audrey Kane. He was the brother of the late Bertha Roche and Peter Phylis. Jack grew up in Wayland where he spent most of his life. He was a captain of the football team and named athlete of the year while attending Wayland High School. Upon his graduation from high school, he joined the United States Air Force where he was on active duty during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he joined the Wayland Police Department as a Patrolman. He quickly rose through the ranks serving as a Sergeant, Detective, Lieutenant, and in 1986 retired after serving as the Police Chief. He dedicated 28 years to his professional career with the Wayland Police Department. Jack especially enjoyed time outdoors. Many summer days were spent enjoying life and family at the cabin he built "off the grid" in a small lake in the woods of northern Maine. Everyone knew and appreciated Jack's quick and clever wit. He would surprise people with it when they least expected. He was handy at woodcarving and enjoyed growing vegetables in his garden. He always looked forward to fried green tomato sandwiches during the season. He will be laid to rest in the Phylis family lot in Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland with private family services. In lieu of flowers, his family kindly suggests that memorial gifts in Jack's memory may be sent to the American Heart Assoc., 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of WAYLAND. For condolences, please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com