COL Philip James Saulnier

Colonel Philip James Saulnier, US Army (Ret.) January 27, 1938 - January 29, 2026

Colonel Philip James Saulnier passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love, on January 29, 2026, in Fairfax, Virginia. He was 88. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, Phil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His boundless energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and generosity touched everyone lucky enough to have known him.

A LIFE OF LEADERSHIP AND "THREE S's"

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Raymond Arthur and Helen Louise Saulnier, Phil graduated from Lynn Technical High School in 1956. He attended Bridgton Academy before earning a football scholarship to the University of Rhode Island in 1958.

At URI, Phil famously grappled with his coach's advice that a student-athlete must choose only two of the "three S's": Sports, Social, or School. Phil, in his characteristic style, chose all three-and then some. While his grades occasionally leaned on his charm (particularly after he began cutting class to walk with a lovely young woman named Judith Stone), he excelled as a member of Theta Chi, co-captain of the football team, and Cadet Colonel of the ROTC Brigade. The University of Rhode Island awarded Phil Saulnier with the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in May of 2012.

DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE

Phil's 23-year military career was defined by bravery and logistical brilliance. Commissioned as an Infantry officer in 1962, he completed Ranger and Airborne training before being assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. He deployed to Vietnam in 1964. As an Infantry Battalion Advisor, his leadership in combat earned him the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal.

He later transferred to the Quartermaster Corps and a second combat tour in Vietnam in 1968, where he was awarded a second Bronze Star. His career included prestigious assignments as Commander of the 46th Support Group at Fort Bragg and faculty member at the U.S. Army War College. Upon his retirement in 1985, he was awarded the Legion of Merit and was later inducted into the U.S. Army Quartermaster Hall of Fame in 2002, and the U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Fame in 2020.

A CHAMPION FOR OTHERS

Retirement from the Army was merely a "half-time" for Phil. He spent 15 years as Director of the East Region for the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH), creating employment opportunities for thousands of individuals with disabilities. In 2003, he founded America's Pride, a company dedicated to supporting service-connected disabled veterans - a legacy that continues to thrive today.

THE "WORLD'S BEST PoPPoP"

Despite his professional accolades, Phil's heart belonged to his family and to his community. Whether he was organizing URI alumni clambakes, coaching Little League, or snow-blowing the neighborhood cul-de-sac, Phil never stopped moving. He was happiest outdoors - skiing, golfing, or enjoying the salt air at his beach house in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judith King Stone Saulnier; his son, Colonel Michael P. Saulnier, US Army (Ret,) (Mary); his daughter, Charlotte Elaine Saulnier LeMoyne (Captain Chuck LeMoyne, US Navy (Ret)); four grandchildren, Steven (Min), Catherine (Matthew), Samuel (Jennifer), and Grace; and two great-grandchildren, Lana and Luke. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy, brother Jim, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Stone Saulnier; his brothers, Raymond, and John; and his parents.

HONORING PHIL

A celebration of Phil's life and his extraordinary legacy of mentorship and generosity will be held at 10:00 am on March 21st, 2026, in the auditorium at The Fairfax Belvoir Woods Auditorium, 9140 Belvoir Woods Pkwy, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. A grave-side service, with full military honors, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or The Wounded Warrior Project. In the spirit of Phil's life, his family encourages you to "pick all three S's" and live with the same enthusiasm he brought to every day.