Frederick Phillips, II

Frederick Phillips, II, of Coatesville, formerly of Middletown, and Edgmont, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 81.

Born in Ridley Park, PA, he was the loving son of the late Joseph Frederick and Beth (Buchanan) Phillips.

Fred was beloved to all who were fortunate enough to meet him. He was always thrilled to share his famous homemade cookies or a pack of red swedish fish. And if someone was visiting, they could always expect a Freddie’s cheesesteak to be offered hot off the grill. He was the most generous with not only his talents in the kitchen, but also his time. Fred made sure to always take the time to be present at so many of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports, music, and performance events. Even if it meant their coaches may have had to throw him out for yelling or cheering too loud. He told the most entertaining stories and loved to spend time with all of his loved ones and friends, especially the ones who also played golf. He would never hesitate to jump in to entertain, or join in a game that the kids were playing, usually being the one to make up said game. That was who he was.

He grew up in a loving home in Secane and learned early the importance of hard work. He had many paper routes, and soon also had jobs, cooking and delivering food at the Bazaar of all Nations. He must have also learned the importance of being kind and friendly, because that’s where he met Rae, the love of his life, whilst wearing “coke bottle” glasses, smelling of chopped onions and cheesesteaks, and she asked him out first.

He attended Upper Darby High School, class of ‘62, and then West Chester University, class of ‘66, graduating with a degree in Secondary education. He took his first job in Philadelphia, at G.W.Child’s Elementary and then completed his Masters degree while teaching there. During his 31 years of working in South Philly, he managed the school’s Safetys program. Every year, as a special reward, he would bring the group of children to experience the fun of his other lifetime jobs as Manager of Hidden Hollow Swim club, during summers off, and as the “Jack (or Fast Freddie) of all trades” at Linvilla Orchards. Over the 45 years there, he trained, managed, motivated and made a lasting impact on multiple generations of lifeguards, swimmers, pool brats, hay wagon drivers, farmers, and Linvill family members. Even after “retiring” from there, you could still find Fred doing odd jobs or making pie deliveries, just for fun and to get to visit with everyone he loved there. That’s just what he did.

Fred was an avid Philly sports fan, and in Delco fashion, would argue plenty with the TV when our favorite teams didn’t live up to expectations. Two of his happiest days were when the Eagles won their recent Super Bowls. But the sport that he loved to play, throughout his whole life, was golf. From starting at a young age, playing with his dad and brothers, until his last round, just this past June, he would tell the “play by play” of every shot to anyone who cared to listen, and even to those who didn’t care to listen, but were just stuck in his vicinity. He would just keep talking. That was his way.

He and his lovely wife, Rae, were also frequent travelers. Caught by the timeshare bug, they organized many memorable trips for family, friends and themselves. They had a special place in their hearts for Hawaii since visiting there for the first time on their 25th anniversary, and have returned there almost every year since. They visited most of the islands, and enjoyed the time creating memories with family and friends, including many that they made on the Islands. They too will miss Fred’s cookies, and his stories, usually told in the hot tub for way longer than the recommended 15 minutes of use. He could give a full semester college course on how to manage and trade timeshare weeks and points. And he and Rae usually ended up inviting those who listened, to come stay with them in Hawaii sometime. Because that is their way.

Fred will be achingly and desperately missed by all who knew him.

Remembering him, can remind us all, how thoughtful little gestures, encouraging smiles, long-winded, but relatable stories, even occasional exasperated sighs, and the odd “Fer Cryin’ out Loud!”, yelled with the best of intentions, and most of all…Cookies, can be someone’s language of love. And if you’re lucky enough to have other people in your life like Fred, make sure you let them know that you love them too. Often and always!

Fred was the beloved husband of Miriam “Rae” (Butler) Phillips; the loving father of Stephen F. Phillips (Tracy), Kimberly R. Salman (Mustafa), and Matthew A. Phillips (Nancy), and forever foster father of Lisa Jasper (Tom, Sr.) He was the caring and proud grandfather of Autumn Phillips, Samantha Phillips, Josh Phillips, Nate Phillips, Spencer Phillips, Luke Phillips, Lilah Phillips, Kadin Salman, Melia Salman, Tommy Jasper, and Kelly Shea Jasper. He is also survived by his brother, Alan F. Phillips (Helen) and sister, Virginia L. Southall (A.B.), and sister-in-law, Kathy Phillips, as well as many dear nieces and nephews. Fred is predeceased by his older brother, Dr. David R. Phillips.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Service beginning at Noon. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, one can send contributions to a couple of causes close to Fred’s heart: The Timothy School, 973 Old Lancaster Road, Berwyn, PA 19312, https://thetimothyschool.org/support/, or to the: nationalmssociety.org.