PHILLIP T. DAVIDSON Sr.

DAVIDSON, Phillip T. Sr. 90, of Farmington, CT and formerly of Simsbury, CT for 35 years. Beloved husband of Barbara (Jarmon) Davidson, passed away Friday, November 27, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. It was the morning of his and Barbara's 45th wedding anniversary. He was born and raised in New Britain, CT, son of the late Samuel and Rachel (Levine) Davidson. After graduating from Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA, Phillip joined the United States Navy where he served as an Officer aboard the USS Columbia in the South Pacific during World War II. At the conclusion of the War, he returned to Connecticut and went on to receive his B.S. degree from Trinity College, Hartford. As a long believer in education, Phillip served his alma maters as a Trustee of Berkshire School and Trinity College. He joined his family business, Davidson & Leventhal (D&L Stores), and founded The Weathervane. D&L Venture Corporation was one of Connecticut's largest employers and one of the largest retail clothing store chains in New England. During his tenure as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Phillip was recognized by the National Retail Federation of America and awarded Retailer of the Year. A leader in civic and community affairs, he was twice Chairman of the New Britain United Way, Chairman of New Britain General Hospital, Board Member of the National Retail Merchants Association, Board Member of New Britain Bank & Trust Company, Board Member of the Central Connecticut Senior Health Alliance, Board Member of the Jerome Home and President of the USS Columbia Association. He was a member of the New Britain Rotary, Hartford Chamber of Commerce and Gildo Consolini Post # 3272 VFW, Avon. He was named Citizen of the Year by the New Britain Elks. While a strong businessman and community leader, his legacy is one of a mentor and teacher as an ethical and honest man of the highest character to his family, friends, and business associates. His life lessons will be carried on by generations of his family. Besides his wife Barbara; he leaves five children Merry Davidson Bush (Charles) of Southington, Thomas Davidson (Joan) of Southington, Anthony Davidson (Sheila) of New York City, Wendy Davidson of Shirley, MA and Phillip Davidson, Jr. (Lindsay) of Swampscott, MA; ten grandchildren Michael, Matthew, and Jonathan Kelleher, Derek, Samuel, Andrew, Patrick, Grace, William and Ryan Davidson; a great-grandson Logan Kelleher; a brother Donald Davidson of Bloomfield and a sister Georgianne Pollowitz of New Britain; several nieces and nephews; and his loyal poodle Jasmine. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother Lawrence. His family will receive friends Thursday, December 3, 2015 from 4:00-7:00PM at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. VFW Post 3272 will conduct a final salute at 6:45PM. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 4, 2015 at 1:00PM at Carmon's in Avon. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery with military honors. Contributions may be made to the Wolfson Palliative Care Center at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, 100 Grand Street, New Britain, CT 06052. For directions or condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com