PHILIP NEWTON BRIGHT SR.

1935 - 2017

PHILIP NEWTON BRIGHT SR. passed peacefully to heaven's fairway February 14, 2017. Born April 14, 1935, in Cooper Hospital, Camden, N.J., Phil was a natural athlete and loved the camaraderie as well as the competition of sport. Playing soccer, baseball and golf throughout Moorestown Friends School and Earlham College, Phil was voted to the All American Soccer Team (1957) and an alternate for the US Olympic Men's Soccer Team (1960 Rome, Italy). He has been inducted to the Earlham College Athletic Hall of Fame twice. Upon graduating from Earlham College, Phil embarked upon a 40-year career with American Water Works Company. Phil maintained an active interest in the affairs of every community in which he resided. He was a member of Rotary International (1960-1986), Chamber of Commerce (1960-1986), WV State Chamber of Commerce (1980-1986), Huntington Floodwall Board (1978-1986), Lions Clubs International, and various boards and committees. Professionally, he was an active member of the American Water Works Association (1959-1997) and was awarded the MW Tatlock Citation. Phil loved playing golf, which found him in the champions circle many times, including Ashtabula Country Club Champion (1970). He was an active member of Guyan Golf and Country Club, Huntington, W.Va., and Greate Bay Country Club, Somers Point, N.J. As Phil's career advanced, his family grew as well. He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Patricia, and children, Amy Ward (Parker), Huntington, W.Va., Philip Bright Jr. (Cyndi), Huntington, W.Va., Tim Bright (Scarlett), Egg Harbor Township, N.J., Diana Bright, Linwood, N.J., Paul Bright (Nancy), Ventnor, N.J.; grandchildren, Parks Ward (Alissa) and Tricia Ward Derrig (Michael), Jessica, Allie, Rosie and Sophie Bright, Tim Jr., Jason (Yoshie), Samantha and Caitlin Bright, Melisa Mathis Godfrey (Brian); and great-granddaughters, Jennifer Bright and Katherine Parker Ward. Philip was a member of Central United Methodist Church, Linwood, N.J. A memorial service is planned for February 25, 2017, with Pastor Ronald Watts presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Holy Redeemer Hospice, 6550 Delilah Road, Suite 501, attn: Gloria, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, or Central United Methodist Church, 5 Marvin Ave., Linwood, NJ 08221.