Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2020
Philip Dorfler Obituary
He is survived by his wife, June of Kingsford, Mich. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Records Dorfler. Phil is also preceded in death by his parents, June and Anton Dorfler; brothers, Joseph, his twin Vince; and sister, Karen Giguere. Besides his wife, June, Phil is survived by his sisters, Nancy Zecchin, Sterling Heights, Mich., Mary Wender, Iron Mountain, Mich. and Sue Albert, Milwaukee, Wis. He is also survived by Dorothy's children: Robert Records and wife Rita of Virginia, Beverly (Records) Silva and husband Ron of Florida, Rex Records and wife Kathleen of Florida, Dorothy (Records) Shaeffer and husband Bill of Washington and Wayne Records and wife Joann of Connecticut; ten step-grandchildren; and seventeen stepgreat-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Phil had many friends in both Michigan and Connecticut who will miss him.
Phil was born Dec. 16, 1937, in Sagola, Mich. He served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 15 years. He often spoke proudly of being on the crew of the USS Wasp when it was the recovery ship for the Gemini 9 Capsule. After getting out of the U.S. Navy, Phil married Dorothy Williams Records in December 1964. Phil was a very caring and dedicated husband and stepfather. He loved spending time with his grandchildren at the campground on Gardner Lake, cooking for family gatherings and going for Sunday drives. Phil worked as a tugboat crew member and welder at Thames Shipyard in New London for many years.
His family wishes to thank the Critical Care staff of DCHS for their excellent care and compassion. A private memorial was held in Iron Mountain, Mich. Phil's ashes will be shipped to New London for a private burial alongside his first wife, Dorothy.
Phil was much loved by many and his passing will leave a hole in our hearts. Donations may be made in his memory to the Military Family Support Trust, mfst.us.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Dorfler
4 Entries
Kevin Kogut
October 17, 2020
my condolences to the family i worked with Phil on the tug boat in 1977-78 he was a joy to be with sorry for your loss.
Tom and Linda Tomaszek and family
October 12, 2020
So sorry for your families loss. Phil and your Mom were wonderful people who were great to our family including our family in many of the Gardner Lake picnics and family functions. What a great time was had by all. We will miss them, but still visit your Mom at the cemetery and now also Phil. Love to all.... ❤❤❤❤❤ Tom, Linda Tomaszek and family
Beverly Silva
October 11, 2020
Phil was a funny,kindhearted,loving stepdad. We were blessed to have him as part of our family. He was a wonderful grandfather and we will always be remembered as a responsible, caring man. I speak for my whole family,that having him back in Connecticut interned next to our mother, Dorothy,brings great joy!!! RIP DAD
Patrick Crowley
October 11, 2020
I worked with Phil, the last time I saw him he was on a tug boat bringing a ship into State Pier, he was a great guy and had a sense of humor, RIP, Patrick Crowley
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Philip Dorfler's name
Memorial Events
for Philip Dorfler
How to support Philip's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Philip Dorfler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
