Phillip A. Guertin

Phillip A. Guertin "Phil" of Cranston, RI died in the early hours of Monday, August 11, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital at the age of 51.

Phil lived most of his life in Cranston, RI where he attended D.D. Waterman Elementary School, Park View Junior High, and Cranston High School East. During those years he made many friends with whom he remained connected until his death. He attended and was a member of Calvary Covenant Church in Cranston, RI and later attended Christ Church in East Greenwich, RI after Calvary closed its doors in 2010. He worked several jobs including being a security guard, and courier driver.

Phil had many interests including listening to and playing music. He took up guitar, harmonica, tin whistles, and hand percussion, and was especially drawn to the medieval period. Over the years he took interest in his Swedish, French, and Native American roots, as well as Celtic culture. He enjoyed reading novels and stories in the fantasy genre, as well as things related to Christianity. Phil's biggest interests lied with his friends and family wanting to know how they were doing, what was happening in their lives and how he could encourage them.

Phil also loved taking drives with family and friends. He often fondly reminisced about family vacations to Sebago Lake, Maine when he was younger, as well as trips to Pilgrim Pines (a camping/retreat center) on Lake Swanzey in New Hampshire near Keene with his youth group and later as an adult.

Phil was a generally positive, optimistic person, especially given all his health struggles. He still found ways to look at the positives in life, taking time to connect with, and encourage others. All this was anchored in his deep and abiding faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ. His frequent Facebook posts, text messages, and phone calls with the familiar greeting, "What's goin' on?" will be deeply missed.

Phil is preceded in death by his father George (2009) as well as his grandparents, and other extended family members. Phil is survived by his mother Lois (George); brothers David (Laurel) of Middletown, CT, and Eric of Woonsocket, RI; nephew Seth (Amber) of Pennsylvania; as well as many friends, cousins, and other extended family.

Calling hours concluding with a Celebration of Life service will be held at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home and Crematory at 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI 02893 on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 6-8 PM. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following:

The Gideons International – an organization focused on distributing bibles www.gideons.org

Pilgrim Pines Camping and Retreat Center https://secure.qgiv.com/for/MRLA8T7JN7TSCG2K8HWY/ or by mail;

Pilgrim Pines 220 West Shore Road Swanzey, NH 03446