PHILIP NORVELL DEARBORN

Philip Norvell Dearborn passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago, IL, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. He was 78. He is survived by his devoted husband, Mark Bereyso; two loving daughters, Ashley Dearborn Windsor and Lindsay Dearborn Butters, as well as their husbands, Robert Grover Windsor Jr. and Craig Warren Butters. Philip was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren-Scout, Pixie and Robert Windsor III, and Adelia and Dane Butters. His older brother, Henry Alexander Dearborn, lives with his wife, Danna Dearborn in Kittery Point, ME. He was predeceased by his oldest brother, David Dearborn; and also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Riley Dearborn of Beverly, MA. He adored all of his nieces and nephews of which there are many. He likewise had assembled a world-wide group of many fantastic friends over his 78 years. Philip was born on March 16, 1944, to Pauline Moore and Frederick Myers Dearborn Jr. in New York City, New York. He was the youngest of three active boys. An avid sportsman and fisherman, he spent his youths summers at both his families' Adirondack compound and their home at Prides Crossing, MA, hiking, fishing, playing tennis and baseball. He excelled academically and was a proud alumnus of Brooks School and Harvard University where he remained an active member of both schools' alumni communities. He entered the U.S. Army upon graduation from Harvard, served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. Upon his return home, he was an essential member of Time Life's growing books department and while living in New York, he met and married his daughters' mother, Angelica Gerry. They lived in both New York and Los Angeles, and divorced in 1995. While living in Los Angeles, Philip's career shifted to theater and movie production; he collaborated on many projects with his long term friend and producing partner, Anthony Fingleton, including their most well known work, 'Over My Dead Body,' which was featured at the former Savoy Theater in London. The films 'Bloodbath' and 'Drop Dead Fred' were among some of their movie projects. He also dabbled in additional screenwriting projects and then launched a career in sports marketing. He can be credited with forming the first, all-professional athlete, U.S. bobsled team for the 1992 Olympics. Shortly thereafter, Philip moved back to the East Coast to be closer to his brothers, mother, and daughters and began the most fruitful leg of his career in philanthropic fundraising. He split his time between Boston's South End, the Adirondacks and Ft. Lauderdale. He worked closely over the years with Boston's The Living Center, Harvard University, Brooks School, The Adirondack Landowners Association, Equality Florida, Our Fund Foundation and numerous other organizations. He was an expert fundraiser and served on the boards of many of those listed. Our Fund wrote "Philip Dearborn was an avid supporter of LGBTQ causes and agencies in South Florida especially and was known by many for his measured and thoughtful approach to philanthropy. He improved the lives of many through his commitment to raising support and awareness for causes critical to the well-being of the LGBTQ community." In October 2013, Philip met his soulmate, Mark Bereyso, and shortly thereafter they were married in Wenham, MA. Philip ultimately made Chicago his permanent residence to be with his husband whom he adored. If asked, Philip would tell you he was happiest when with Mark, watching either the Red Sox or any Harvard/Yale game, going to the movies, eating sushi, knowing that he would be seeing his daughters and their families the following day. He will be missed by friends and family alike for his honesty, love of geography, fishing, music, roller coasters, his infectious laugh, generosity and intelligence. A service will be held at Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton, MA, at a later date.

View the online memorial for Philip Norvell DEARBORN