BLUE HILL and VERO BEACH, Fla. – Russell T. “Russ” Phillips, 86, died June 19, 2008, in Vero Beach, Fla. He was born Oct. 5, 1921, in Hackensack, N.J., son of Russell W. and Frances (Bullard) Phillips. Russ attended schools in Rockville Center, N.Y., and served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He later attended the University of New York, Institute of Agriculture. Russ married Jean Bogen, April 26, 1946, and they worked farming and managing their land in their early years together. Russell’s working life included several other ventures. He and Jean owned and operated a moving and storage business, as well as a music store while living in New York. They moved to Blue Hill in 1970 and greatly enjoyed their lives there. Throughout the years, Russ became involved in civic and community affairs and served for a while as the chamber of commerce president, selectman of Blue Hill and assisted with raising funds for the renovation of Blue Hill Town Hall. He was also a member of the IOOF. Russ was an entertainer and loved to socialize, enjoying square dancing, square dance calling and singing. Other joys of his were his time spent golfing, boating on Blue Hill Bay, as well as building and restoring camps and log cabins. Russ was a lifelong member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, and actively participated while living in Blue Hill and Vero Beach, Fla. Surviving are three children, Jeffrey Phillips of Portland, Peter Phillips and his wife, Pat, of Bangor and Holly Lyons and her husband, Paul, of Old Town; four grandchildren, Sarah Phillips Caruso, Kyle Parker, Jenny Lyons-Mueller and John Lyons; nine great-grandchildren; and three nephews, John Whetstone, John B. Phillips and Rob Phillips. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jean Phillips in 1993; his second wife, Adele Marshall in 2002; a grandson, Matthew Pasquerillo in 2004; his sister, Jane Turner in 1999; and his brother, John “Jack” Phillips in 1998. A memorial service will be held noon Saturday, Aug. 23, at Blue Hill Congregational Church, Blue Hill, with the Rev. Rob McCall, pastor, presiding. The family warmly invites fri-ends and relatives to gather in the church hall after the service for a time of fellowship and sharing of memories. Burial will be private. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Hill Heritage Land Trust, care of Jim Dow, executive director, P.O. Box 222, Blue Hill, ME 04614 or Island Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 42, Deer Isle, ME 04627. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. Condolences may be made at www.kileyandfoley.com.
RUSSELL T. PHILLIPS
