Gerald R. Phillips

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Gerald Phillips Obituary

Name: Visitation for Gerald R. Phillips
Start: 2017-11-03T15:30:00.000Z
End: 2017-11-03T16:45:00.000Z
Location: Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, LLC - Pottstown

Gerald R. “Jerry” Phillips, 76, of Pottstown, North Coventry Twp., husband of Celia R. (Kalinowski) Phillips, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 at Cape Regional Medical Center, Cape May Court House, NJ. Born in Petrolia, PA, he was the son of the late Dr. Joseph and Bertha (Herman) Phillips. Gerald was a member of Congregation Hesed Shel Emet in Pottstown and also attended services with Celia at Shenkel UCC Church in Pottstown. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in education from Penn State in 1963 and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in education from Kutztown University. Gerald was a teacher for Owen J. Roberts School District for 36 years, with most of those years at North Coventry Elementary School. He was very active with Boy Scout Troop #95, was an avid naturalist who enjoyed working outside in the yard and garden, and loved spending time in Cape May with his wife and family. Surviving with his wife of almost 50 years is son David Phillips; sister Adrea Kofman, wife of Charles, of Burlington, Vermont and Naples, Florida; nephew Jason Kofman; and was the great uncle to Samantha, Zoe and Nathaniel Kofman. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his nephew Adam Kofman. A funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 3, 1:00PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in Shenkel UCC Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 11:30AM to 12:45PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerald’s name to either Congregation Hesed Shel Emet, PO Box 272, Pottstown, PA 19464 or Shenkel UCC Church, 1580 Shenkel Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465. View obituaries at www.catagnusfuneralhomes.com

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Published by The Mercury from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Phillips

Sponsored by Pottsmerc.com.

9 Entries

May 2014.

Bridget Goodman

November 6, 2017

I had the pleasure of meeting Gerry (and Ceil) through their friends Bob and Barbara Brown. I can still hear him saying to me, "you are no cookie-cutter", meaning I was an original, one-of-a kind. Truth is I always thought he was the one who was no cookie-cutter. He was a unique and uniquely special man, full of life, and full of love for Ceil. And he gave us all much to smile and laugh about in the years we knew him. I will keep him in my memory, and Ceil and David in my prayers.

Barbara and Mike Kriczky

November 4, 2017

Ciel, My heart aches for you. I know how close you and Gerry were. This is such a shock. He was one of the nicest men I have met. I will always think of him connected with Joan and her pork and sauerkraut on New Years day. I am sure they are together waiting for the rest of us. My prayers for comfort are with you.

Tom and Karen Cascone

November 3, 2017

What a terrible shock we received this past Saturday! Jerry was one of the most genuine people we've ever met in our lives. No pretense just real !!!!! Always enjoyed your visits and your interest in others. We get so stuck in our lives that we go our way and often forget what's important! Jerry seemed to have the ability to hang onto those things with a joy inside. Even though we didn't keep close touch know that he will be missed and our hearts are saddened. Sorry we couldn't be there today. Our love to you Ceil and David.

Lori Snyder

November 2, 2017

Mr. Phillips was one of the best teachers ever. I will always be grateful for his teaching skills and kindness that he showed everyone. You were a class act Mr. Phillips , you will be missed . Thank you for showing me that learning is fun!!

The staff of North Coventry Elementary School fondly remembers Gerry.

Dr. Susan T. Lloyd, Principal

November 2, 2017

November 1, 2017

Jerry was the warmest person who was such a dear friend to my parents in Cape May. Even my antsy son's loved to sit and laugh with him.
My thoughts are with you Ceil at this time. I pray for God's comfort and peace to be with you.
Sharon Fincke Dorward
Allentown, Pa

Chuck and Shirley Mahood

November 1, 2017

Jerry and I had known each other since first grade, in Petrolia, PA. We went through high school together and were involved with Boy Scouts. In recent years, my wife, Shirley and I would see Jerry and Ceil each year in the Amish country around Lancaster. This was a real shock to us and we will miss our yearly visits.

Ceil and David: you have our deepest sympathy.

Sharon Hamilton

November 1, 2017

Gerry and my husband Bill were great friends and worked together at Camp Conrad Weiser. He loved to window shop and always said of stores they are look stores. I met him and Ceil through my husband and always enjoyed things we did together. Gerry and Ceil were a comfortable t to me when I lost my husband Bill in June of this year. I hope that I can be the same for Ceil. Especially as this was such a surprise event.

Pat and Russ Smith

October 31, 2017

It gave me great joy to know Gerald Phillips (Gerry) and it was always a pleasure to share gardening stories outside in our yards at Cape May. Gerry always said it was "our little slice of heaven" because he loved it so much; and I totally agree. It was always so fun to exchange plant tips or share seeds, as well as talk about new restaurants where he and Celia had dined. And he frequently had a new menu to give away with their personal food recommendations annotated.

It is with great sadness that I heard of his passing, and we will miss him so very much. I hope it is a comfort to Celia to know how much we enjoyed knowing Gerry for the past 10 years.

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