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Philip Agins Obituary
Born in Westerly, he was the beloved son of Alan Agins of Tucson, Ariz., and Paula (McCuin) Agins of Westerly.
Philip was a self-employed musician. He played with "The Big Nasty" which started in Westerly, then moved to Austin, Texas, for several years. They released two CD's and then upon his return to the area he helped form "The Royale Bros.", a band that rapidly became a staple on the thriving New London music scene. They played throughout New England from Maine to New York City and recently released an album.
Phil had many friends in and out of the music industry, and will be missed by all who knew him. He was currently a student at Mitchell College in New London, studying fine arts. He enjoyed drawing and music, and he also gave private guitar lessons.
Surviving in addition to his parents he also leaves his paternal grandparents, William and Florence Agins, of Henderson, Nev.; his brother, Daniel P. Agins, of Waterford; his sister, Sarah E. Agins, of Westerly; and several cousins.
Calling hours will be held Friday from 4 to 7p.m. in the Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly, R.I. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at noon in Our Lady of Victory Church, Ashaway. There is no procession from the funeral home to the church. Burial will be private.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to International Rett Syndrome Foundation, P.O. Box 706143, Cincinnati, OH 45270-6143 in Philip's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Agins
Sheila Herbert
April 30, 2008
Hi Paula,
I just saw the tribute to Phil in The New London Times. From time to time I think of you especially when I'm in Westerly visiting my mom. I am so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to you and your family.
love, Sheila
Debra Parr
April 28, 2008
Alan and Family - I am so saddened and shocked to receive this news. I never met Phil, but know you were proud of him and his musical accomplishments and certainly loved him deeply. My heart and prayers go out of all of you.
Molly Mazer
April 25, 2008
Paula and Sarah--
I am so sorry for your loss. I was not lucky enough to have met Phillip but I remember you talking about how his music always made Sarah smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colleen Hawrylik
April 25, 2008
Dan & Paula -
I just heard about Phil. I am so sorry for your loss. Phil could always make us smile. I had him as a student at St. Michael. Please accept my sincerest sympathies. Hugs and prayers.
jeanne jones
April 24, 2008
Dear Paula, You may not remember me , but I worked with you at Westerly Hosp, and Philip went to nursery school with my son Colin.
So sorry to learn of your loss, my thoughts are with you.
Susan Donovan
April 23, 2008
Dear Paula & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue Donovan
wendy chai
April 22, 2008
Dear Alan and the Agins family,
Our hearts go out to you at this time for your deep loss. We can only imagine the pain of losing someone who sounds so special from reading these wonderful tributes. the Nadler family, from Camp lakeside pines
Wendy Savoie
April 21, 2008
Dear Paula,
I am so sorry, words can't express the sorrow I feel for you and your family. My heart breaks for you. Please know that I will pray for you and your family. Take care.
With my deepest sympathy,
Wendy
Chris Petrin Lambert
April 21, 2008
Paula,
I am so sorry for you and your family. My heart breaks to think of all that you must be feeling. I realize that my words cannot fill the void into which you have been thrust. I send you my prayers for peace in your heart and healing in your soul. Best, Chris Petrin Lambert
Deanne Gagne
April 21, 2008
Dear Paula,
I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Pam Goes
April 21, 2008
Dear Paula & family. I truly don't know what to say. My heart breaks for all of you. I am so sorry for this huge loss. Just know that you are in my thoughts every day.
Ashley Colins
April 20, 2008
I graduated with Phil. I am so shocked to hear this horrible news. I have nothing but great memories of the laughter he brought to me. Iam so sorry for your loss and your family will be in my prayers
Connie G0MES
April 19, 2008
Dear Paula, When I heard of Philips death I began to search for words and thoughts to say to you. Please know that I am deeply sorry for you and that my prayers are with you and your family. I know that Philip will certainly be looking after Sarah and your family from above. Love Connie and Richard Gomes
Matt Gouette
April 19, 2008
I've no more words to say, except that I miss my brotherly friend and musical mate way too much. I didn't allow myself to meet his family today. It was already so hard, and it felt strange at the time. But my deepest condolences go to them. I'm so fortunate to have had him as a friend, just as you were, and are, so fortunate to have had him as a part of your family. He really was something else! Be strong.
Amy Maslyn
April 18, 2008
Paula, Alan, Dan & Sarah-
No words can express how sorry I am for your loss. You are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Carol Shelton
April 18, 2008
Dear Paula,
You and your family have been on my mind ever since I heard the news about Philip. Although I never met him I knew about him through the stories we shared about him and my son. I can't imagine what you all must be feeling right now.. My heart and prayers are with you,
Carol Shelton
Dee Weaver (Grant's mom)
April 18, 2008
Oh, Sweet Phil...I knew you for such a short time. Some of my best memories were of driving to Austin for the Big Nasty shows, and if I was alone, your coming over at breaks to sit and talk with me. How dear of you to make that effort! You've left us with one fewer gentle soul in a world that has far too few. I cry because you're gone, but I laugh because you were here. I wish you peace, Dear Boy.
Nat Sisco
April 18, 2008
I cannot imagine the depth of your loss--only those who have gone through a similar situation could. My most heartfelt sympathies to ALL of you, and that includes Phil's closest friends as well as his family.
In reading through the threads, I see many of my former Looney Tunes brethren commenting on Phil. I love that. The fact that Phil was a part of our little family, that he considered himself part of that family, puts a smile on my face. He was known as Dan's little brother for the longest time until he came into his own, but his thirst for music was anything but little. It was monstrous.
Phil lived for music--that was certainly evident as I watched him (and Dan) practically grow up in Looney Tunes. They lived just down the street, and where Dan would often hang around, barely a teenager, with a "teach-me-all-about-music look" Phil was not far behind in his footsteps with an even bigger gleem in his eye! Dan listened to music, absorbed it, let himself be taken away by it while Phil took it to a spiritual level that many strive for but never obtain. Phil was a channel for music; it flowed through every pore in his body. There was simply nothing he could not do musically, whether it was playing drums, banjo, guitar, keyboard, or grabbing a harmonica and blowing blues like a 30 year veteran. Losing a soul like this seems outright unfair.
They say times heals all wounds and that may be true, but this one's gonna sting for a long time.
Rest easy, Phil. Heaven just got the ultimate player.
Mark and Jo Friese
April 18, 2008
Paula and family. I cannot express my sorrow for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Saporita
April 18, 2008
Phil was an inspiration to all who knew him and all who heard him play. I shall always cherish the memory of times spent laughing and playing together. He has been one of the most outstanding musicians and friends I have been fortunate enough to know. He will be sadly missed.
Robert & Wendy Petrucci
April 18, 2008
Paula, Alan, Daniel and Sarah:
My deepest sympathy to you at this time. Words can never really express how sorry one is, please know though, that Rob's and my prayers are with you.
Our Love
Ken Renaud
April 18, 2008
To Paula and her family
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and yours. Your son Philip had many gifts and talents he openly shared with with his family, friends,fellow musicians and community. His legacy of living life to the fullest through his music is and inspiration to us all.
Peace
Rhea McNamara
April 18, 2008
It has been probably 2 years since I actually talked to Phil on the phone. I remember getting off the phone and thinking how amazing it was that we both grew up from crazy little kids. I have the fondest memories of my cousin from our childhood - from playing poker for days pretending to smoke pretzels (still tell that story all the time), skating down the driveways, cannonballs into the pool and Phil always cutting my barbies heads off!
My heart goes out to all my family - especially Uncle Alan, Aunt Paula, Dan and Sarah...love you all! Phil will be missed and never forgotten.
Aunt Judi and Uncle Gary Stanco
April 18, 2008
Dear Paula, Daniel, Sarah and Alan,
Gary and I are still in shock and disbelief of Phil's passing. We are deeply crushed, as we sit here reminiscing and looking at photos of the adorable little boy who touched our hearts so long ago. How Daniel, Philip and Rhea were not just cousins, but close friends. Our biggest regret and embarrassment today is that we all went our seperate ways. We moved across country- We became to busy and preoccupied in our own lives- family was always put aside- another day- another year...Shame on us! We will alway cherish our fond memories of Phil. You all our in our thoughts and prayers and know we love you all so very much.
Donna Thomas
April 18, 2008
Paula and family,
I am so saddened by your loss. I know how much you love your kids. Please know that there are many, many people that care about you.
Donna (Risica) Thomas
Dawn Houlihan
April 18, 2008
Dear Agins Family,
I only knew Phil for the time he was employeed at 84, and he was one of the highlights of my day! He had an amazing personality, and could always be depended on for a smile! He love for music and his family and friends was always evident. He was a beautiful soul and he was one of the nicest people that I have met in a long time. I was very glad that I had the chance to get to know him and feel very privileged to have gotten to spend the time that I did with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Dawn Houlihan
Alycia (Santos) Pessoa
April 18, 2008
The Agins Family,
My sincere sympathy for your loss. Though it's been a few years I can still remember Phil as such a fun, kind hearted person. It's great to hear that he was able to follow his dreams of music!
Joyce Ingersoll
April 18, 2008
To Danny and the Agins Family, I am saddened beyond belief to hear about beautiful Phil's passing. It doesn't seem real. I met Phil at Looney Tunes, where I worked. He was about age 13. He was the light in my day. He would come to see me and make me laugh with his stories. He was a beautiful soul and I will miss him so much. I will cherish the time I took him to his first Reggae festival at age 15. He joined drum circles, played hacki sac with people he didn't even know. He just fit in to any situation. I loved him very much and I feel so much for Danny, Paula and Sarah. What an incredible loss. I know he's telling jokes and keeping rhythm in heaven. Love and Peace, Joyce
K. & Barre Kennerley
April 17, 2008
Dear Alan & Family..
We never got to meet Phil, but we did hear many good things about him from your mom & dad.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Love, K & Barre
Steve Hebert
April 17, 2008
Mr. Dan Agins & family,
We are deeply saddened by your loss of your brother & son. Our thoughts prayers are with you and your family.
The Hebert Family
Matt & Karyn Champlin
April 17, 2008
Paula, Dan & Sarah,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We know that you will find peace in your hearts by cherishing the fond memories you had of Phil.
Cheryl Sullivan-Durand
April 17, 2008
Paula and family, I was shocked to hear of the loss of your son. I can't begin to imagine the sorrow you all feel. My heart is breaking for you. Please know my prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless
Rob Stroud
April 17, 2008
I cannot begin to find the words to express how deeply saddened I am by Phil's passing. I first met Phil when he was just a little boy. He would hang out at Looney Tunes where I worked, because he was very passionate about music. As he got older, he began playing the guitar and bass. Sometimes on a Friday night or Saturday morning, he would show me the latest song he had learned. Phil was a gentle soul and a blessing from Heaven. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to watch Phil grow up into a fine and decent young man. Phil was like a kid brother to me and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Phil's family. May God bless you and comfort you through this very difficult time. My deepest sympathy.
Ann Marie & Michael Lembo
April 17, 2008
Paula, Alan, Sarah, Dan
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your son and brother, Philip. I remember spending many days with you all and sharing many memories. Please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all.
William and Florence Agins
April 17, 2008
Alan, Paula, Daniel, and Sarah,
We wish we could be there with you during these very sad days. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy to you all. What a terrible loss for our family!
Lots of love and hugs,
Grandma ("Mugga") and Grandpa
Ann marsh
April 17, 2008
I am sorry about your loss.I usesly see him at your house on the weekend mornings when i brought your paper.from Ann Marsh the papergirl
Dave & Kristen (Santos) Federico
April 17, 2008
The Agins Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Phil. He was a great person, and a talented musician. Our hearts go out to Dan & family during this sad time. I am sure that Phil is in Heaven looking down on everyone,and making sweet music with all of the other angels.
Linda Petrone
April 17, 2008
Paula, Dan, & Sarah...My thoughts are with you at this time...I have many fond memories of "Philly" from my days caring for Sarah...He could always seem to make me laugh no matter what...Even now I can picture him helping me make "Friday Pizza" Phil you will always remain a guiding light to all those who had the honor of knowing you...
Jessica Sauer
April 17, 2008
To the Agins Family,
My heart goes out to you in this sad time, I've known both Dan and Phil from early childhood, and will cherish the fact that I was able to call Phil a friend. I loved his creativity and passion for music. And know he will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched. My prayers go out to all of you.
Kathy Stelik
April 17, 2008
The picture you chose for the Sun captures Philp's heart, spirit and joy. He has touched all of us who have had the honor and pleasure to know him, in more ways than he would ever be able to imagine. We all feel your pain. Love, Kathy
Danny Bell
April 17, 2008
Dear paula and family
Words can't express our profound sorrow to learn of Phil's passing. He was was fine young man. I remember him growing up in the neighborhood, allways polite and friendly. He will be long remembered in the hearts of many. May God bless and keep you during this difficult time. The Bell family
Henry Fiore
April 17, 2008
To Phil's family,
My prayers are with you during this time of tremendous loss for you.
Phil is undoubtedly forming a band in heaven. I remember when he was just a little kid coming in Looney Tunes showing interest in music at a very young age. His talent from God brought pleasure to many people. He is with God now and in a good place.
Take comfort in that.
Jennifer & Zach Dustin FRETS Guitar Shop
April 17, 2008
We had the privilege of having Phil as one of our teachers and more importantly a friend at our guitar shop for many years. He left for Texas and our shop has never been the same since. Phil will be missed beyond what words can say. We are so deeply saddened by this loss.
Bob Rossi
April 17, 2008
Phil was a phenominal musician and a great person. I knew him since first grade. He was the type of person EVERYONE was friends with. He had such an awesome personality and a great outlook on life. It terrible that we lost such a great person.
Nancy Metayer
April 17, 2008
I am so sorry for this horrible loss, Paula. No mother should have to suffer the death of her child. My thoughts are with you,
Nancy and the boys.
Gregory Post
April 17, 2008
Phil was one of my best friends for as early as I can remember. Whether it was trading Muscle Man action figures near the dumpster at St. Michael's, skateboarding from his Westerly home to the near-by coffee place to sit for hours or whether it was him teaching me to love percussion. I remember the first One Pound Fat show he stepped in on, his brother Dan making us Dr. Dre cassettes that my parents wouldn't let me have in middle-school and walking around Mystic in search of hair-dye and patches. That and his absurdly infectious laugh, for which I will credit myself for being able to invoke more than a few times.
In high school he was one of the few Westerly St. Mike's kids I kept close with, and for good reason, because Phil had been a loyal and caring member of not just my life, but many in my family as well. His ability to make me smile in the worst of times is the only thing keeping me from really falling apart right now, because he would have found some way to make me feel better if I could get him on the phone today. My heart goes out to Mrs. (Mama) Agins, Dan and Sarah, all whom I was lucky enough to spend a good deal of my childhood with. Your son was one of the best friends I could have ever asked for, the hardest part is that I didn't even have to ask. He looked out for me from day one. I will carry that with me forever.
One Love P.A. All Day
Kevin Smith
April 17, 2008
Phil was my first bass guitar teacher when i was 15. he was a great inspiration to my music and helped me to love and appreciate the bass guitar
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