Phillip R. Repella Jr.

Phillip "Mousey" Repella, Jr. passed away on May 8, 2024 at the Presbyterian Home in Williamsport. He was 93. Born on September 19, 1930 to Phillip and Anna Repella in Mount Carmel, Pa. He was a longtime resident of South Williamsport.
Phil enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1949. While on deployment, he was hand selected for what was at the time a top secret mission. He reported to Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean Republic of the Marshall Islands where they were in the midst of "Operation Greenhouse". On May 8-9, 1951, a device was detonated. The test worked, and the operation created the largest fission explosion to date and succeeded in igniting the first small thermonuclear flame ever to burn on earth. He retired from the Air Force as a Senior Airman. Phil served as Commander at the American Legion Post 72 in Mt. Carmel. He was previously employed by ArcWire of Mt. Carmel and the Williamsport Post Office as a mailman until he retired. He loved spending time with his family and friends, traveling throughout the US and fishing in the Outer Banks. He enjoyed polkas and frequently attended dances with his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Repella. He also enjoyed social media, using it to keep in touch with and finding friends, family and Mt. Carmel High School classmates on his computer.
He was a loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, brother and friend. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers and sisters Gertrude, Eugene, Celine, Eloise, John, Vivian, Corine, Ethelreda and Lionel, son Timothy and grand-daughter Nyssa. He is survived by sons Phillip III of New Jersey and Mark of Virginia, grandsons Nicholas (Janine) and Nathan and great grandchildren Oliver and Oscar, as well as sister-in-law Maria Repella and her sons John (Jennifer) and Chris (Paulette) and many friends.
There will be a memorial service and internment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Anneville, Pa. on June 6th. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Presbyterian Home in Williamsport.
Crouse Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with handling final arrangements. To share a memory or sign an online register book, please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com.