Paul Phillips

Paul William Phillips, a man whose life epitomized the noble principle of "service above self," passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the age of 92. Paul was surrounded by the love of his family as he departed this world for another. Paul's legacy of generosity and giving lives on in his children, grandchildren, friends, and the many lives he touched through his commitment to making his community a better place. Born to Dora and Edward Phillips on July 20, 1931, and raised in Somerville, MA, Paul grew up with a deep-rooted sense of integrity, pride, and hard work. Paul followed his sister Barbara Bonifaci to Washington in 1952, first settling in Spokane, WA, where he married and had two daughters: Kathy and Carol. After a divorce, he settled in Wenatchee, WA, where he met and married Jeannette Connery, who was the love of his life and the center of his world. Paul and Jeannie had two boys: Tom, and Bill. Paul helped build the home that they lived in, at Sunnyslope, WA, surrounded by the scent of sage brush, the colors of the Golden apple and the Red Haven peach, while feasting on the beauty of the valley and the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers. Both Paul and Jeannie worked at the Eye & Ear Clinic in Wenatchee for many years, Paul in administration and facilities and Jeannie as a caring RN. However, this was just one of Pauls many jobs. Throughout his life, Paul demonstrated a remarkable work ethic. It was not unusual for Paul to plow the snow during harsh winters at 3:00 a.m., before working alongside his brother-in-law, Bob Bonifaci, in his pathology lab, then working a full day at the clinic, before spending his evenings volunteering in the community. Community service was at the core of Paul's being. He dedicated countless hours to various organizations, including Knights of Columbus, The Free Masons, American Red Cross, the radiation oncology department at Confluence Health, as a patient driver, a docent at Kartchner Caverns State Park in Arizona and Rotary Club of Wenatchee, where he was awarded for his outstanding contributions as a volunteer. Paul also served in the Army Reserves for ten years. His willingness to go above and beyond for others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. While a passionate fan of the Red Sox, his nearly life-long pessimism of the Sox ever winning the World Series due to the Curse of the Bambino, was finally broken in 2004. Lobster Rolls on the house! In his final years at Woodlands at Forbes Lake in Kirkland, Paul became a beloved member of the community, volunteering to warm hearts and foster connections over cups of coffee. After sadly losing Jeannie in 2007, Paul showed great perseverance, living independently with a sharp mind and quick wit until the very end. His family is grateful for the wonderful care he received in his last few days at Evergreen Hospital, where his nurse, Natasha, his physician, Dr. Pham, and many others went above and beyond to ensure his moments were ones of dignity and comfort. Paul is survived by his children: Kathy Hugill (Paul Hugill), Carol Morgan, William Phillips (Aimie Vallat) and Thomas Phillips (Beth Farmer); his beloved, bright and caring grandchildren: Thomas, Conner, Chris, Danny, Sofie, Talin and Livia; as well as his 3 Bonifaci family nieces and nephew, all of whom cared deeply for him. A Celebration of his remarkable Life will take place at a future summer date in Wenatchee, as well as at Woodlands at Forbes Lake in Kirkland, WA, where his memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness and service. The world seems a poorer place without Paul in it. He will be deeply missed but has left a legacy that will live on for many years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rotary Club of Wenatchee in Paul's honor or people can commit an act of kindness in his name. Paul is buried at the Wenatchee Cemetery, beside his wife, Jeannette.

Paul Phillips

July 20, 1931 - April 9, 2024