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Philip Simpson Obituary

East Lyme - Philip E. Simpson, 71, formerly of Niantic and Bonita Springs, Fla., passed away peacefully on Wed., July 22, 2015, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on April 19, 1944, in Graceville, Fla. He met and married Patricia Harper, they resided in Niantic until his retirement. Philip served his country as a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy as well as General Dynamics. He was an avid gardener who cherished his time with his family, especially his nine grandchildren. Philip is remembered by all as a very kind and gentle soul; who had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving to others.

Philip will be lovingly cherished by his wife, Patti; their three children, Heather and her husband, Scott West, of Stoneham, Mass., Patria Palmerone of Niantic and Sara and her husband, Rusty Ginn, of Asheville, N.C.; and his treasured grandchildren, Madeline, Olivia, Colin , Sophia, Stone, Hadlai, Bryce, Jake and Harrison. He is also survived by his brother, Andy Simpson and his wife, Meredith, of Cedar Hills, Utah.

Interment will be private.

Those who desire may make memorial donations in memory of Philip to Joanne's House at Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Aug. 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Simpson

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August 25, 2015

Phil was a role model as a father and husband. Such love is rarely witnessed. Hold your blessed memories close.
Our Condolences,
Connie and Tony Strazzo, Niantic, CT

Ray Hallmark

August 23, 2015

Felix was my original sea-daddy when I first joined the StoneyJ in Hawaii. Shifted from the Blue to the Gold crew together. Absolutely one of the best shipmates and men I had the privilege to know and serve with.

Jim Finn

August 16, 2015

Many years have passed since I served with Phil & Andy on S.Jackson(Gold crew).My condolences and prayers to Phils' family and Andy. I will remember many good times spent with them.

Pat and Jan McCord

August 16, 2015

Felix will be missed. He was a great shipmate and a wonderful man! Our deepest sympathy to his Family.

Pat McCord MMCM(SS)retired

Michael Kreisher

August 15, 2015

I did not know "Simpson" well, but I had quite a few of his signatures on my qual cards. I left the Stoney J and the Navy in 1974 but Phil made such an impression that I still tell stories about him when chewing the fat with other ex-Nucs. He was one of my role models. The world is a lesser place without him in it. My condolences to his family. May God bless you all.

mike cook

August 15, 2015

So sorry to hear this news. Phil was a special friend and shipmate on the Stony J. Gold crew. We roomed together between patrols and I started calling him Felix Ungar, from the character in the Odd Couple. I had no idea that the nickname stuck. Had been trying to find him for several years to no avail.
My sympathies to the family and to his brother Andy, another shipmate.

Ron Messersmith

August 14, 2015

I remember Felix and Andy well. They were on the boat together during my tenure and I admired Felix greatly for his great attitude and gentile nature. We shared a house together in Connecticut and I have great memories of the times we spent in Guam, Hawaii and on the East Coast. He will be missed by all and I wish his family all the best.

Ron Messersmith, MMCS(SS), retired

Rick Skowronek

August 14, 2015

I was also a shipmate of Phil and stood watches with him in the AMRs on the Stonewall Jackson from '67 to '69. I remember him fondly and I can remember our great conversations during the long patrols. I was also a nuke. So sorry to hear of his passing as I've thought about him over the years. Also knew Andy but not as well as Phil. Standing watch with someone for 6 hours a day gives you a lot to talk about.
My sincerest condolences to his family.

John Lookabill

August 14, 2015

I remember Felix well on Stonewall Jackson he was a great ship mate. His brother Andy worked for me. Please except my condolences

Maybe a face you remember???

David Mapes

August 14, 2015

Patti, Heather and family,
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to and for you all in the loss of Phil, (Felix).
He was really a great guy, (as you all know), and I count it as a privilege and and honor to have known, served and been friends with him. He was an outgoing and affirming man with many skills and willingness to share with all with whom he came in contact with.
Many times over the years I have fondly looked back at our times together on the Stonewall Jackson and our apartment on Crystal Ave in New London or at the Bi-level over the other side of the Thames. Always a bit of a smile on my face when I recollect those times.
May God comfort you with the comfort with which you need at this time. I will continue to pray for you all.
Blessings and sorrows come to us all in this short life on earth. With Jesus they can all be put in their proper perspective, an eternal one.
Bye for now.
David, 'David A." Mapes

King Henderson

August 14, 2015

Sailor, rest your oar!
Fellow crew member of Stoney J. 1963-1967
Gold Crew Plank Owner

AMR2UL SSBN-634

Mel Grewell

August 14, 2015

I was deeply saddened to hear of Phil's death.
My deepest condolences to his family.
I can still remember meeting Phil and Andy when I first came onboard the Stonewall Jackson. I was suprised to hear they were from Oregon.
We found out we had actually competed against each other in sports as they were from Maupin and I was from The Dalles. Phil and I, both being nucs,
spent quite a bit of time together on watch. Both in maneuvering and compartment watches. He was a very hard worker, and very cool under
pressure. I wish my memory was better so I could share something of interest to his family. I was happy
to accidently find a photo of him on the internet a while back taken in the AMR2 compartment on the Stonewall Jackson.

Bob Tommy

August 14, 2015

may he rest in peace with King Neptune,With the day to come when the Lord calls him home

August 14, 2015

What a great shipmate, truly one of the "good guys". I had hoped to see him at the next reunion.

Dave Cannon 72-74 Stoney J Blue

August 14, 2015

From the crew of the USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN 634). Felix was a great shipmate and will be missed by those who served with him. Sailor, rest your oar.

Anne McCarthy-Coleman

August 12, 2015

Dear Patti, Heather, Patria and Sara; It is with heartfelt sorrow that I send my condolences to you at Phillips passing. He was and will always remain one of the gentlest, kindest people I ever knew. Your family is a testament to the love you had for each other and your family Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Now you have your very own angel in heaven to watch over and protect you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love. Anne Dave Kate and Ryan

Ron Willems

August 11, 2015

Pat we are sadden with news of Felix departing. He was one of a kind. I often think of him and the days on the Stonewall Jackson with Rup. Know that they are together telling stories. Our best thoughts and prayers to your family. Pat and Willie

August 11, 2015

A man whose passing came much too soon. We love him and miss him.
Ralph and Gloria

Kevin Roberts

August 11, 2015

Phil was a gentle and decent man. I thoroughly enjoyed knowing him and working alongside him. Plus, he was a fellow submariner. God bless you Phil and your family

Sara, Rusty, Jake and Harrison

August 11, 2015

He was the kind of guy that if you met, even just once, you knew that he was the most gentle, kind and humble man. He's touched everyone in his path with this and has affected more people than he'll ever know. We miss you every day, Dad. See you in the garden.

Jack McNally

August 11, 2015

Pat:
We are so sad at Phil's passing. He was one of the most laid back guys we have ever met. Some guys could wear a flowered shirt and look good. But when he wore them ..the flowers seemed to come alive....sort of an extension of his being.... Always putting everyone at ease ... he was a delight to be around. His love for you and all the kids was obvious....he shined when you all were around. It was a great loss losing him ...but it was a great gift knowing him. You and the family are in our thoughts.
Kathleen & Jack

Phil ...Rest in Peace

August 11, 2015

Jenny Swift

August 10, 2015

May the love that he bestowed upon your family continue to live inside of you always. My deepest condolences.

Heather Miller

August 10, 2015

Sara, Patti, Heather, and Patria-I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Sending lots of love to the whole family during this time. I have fond memories of him, and always admired what a great father, husband, and person he was. Wishing you peace.

Mary & Ed Priebe

August 10, 2015

We shared your joy when you married and now we share your sorrow. Peace to you and your family.

Bruce Whewell

August 10, 2015

Phil was a great man and friend who was always good to everyone around him. He will be missed by all. I enjoyed the time we had together working at EB. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to Patty and her whole family. God bless.

Bobbette Clapsadle

August 10, 2015

So very sorry for your loss, What a kind man Phil was. Thinking of You all.
Love,
~Bobbette & Family

August 10, 2015

I thank you for the time we had at both as a retired submariner and an EB co-worker. I'll hopefully see you again at our next interval. The best to all.

Bob Stephens and family

Dennis Urra

August 10, 2015

I loved Phil, he was the most gentle soul and the greatest coworker.

Madeline, Olivia & Colin

August 9, 2015

Always in our hearts Pop Pop....we love you

August 9, 2015

August 9, 2015

August 9, 2015

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