William G Phillips

William G. Phillips of North East, PA, age 63, died surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023. 

Bill grew up in Greene Township with his loving parents, the late William E. Phillips and Patricia (Goldski) Phillips, and his siblings Tina Ross (David) and John Phillips. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1978. His hard-working career spanned decades at Zurn Industries, North East Cogeneration Plant, and General Electric.

His love of family was a force of nature, and his crowning achievement was being husband to Cheryl (Skowronski) Phillips for 39 years, and father to Shawn Phillips (Bryn) of Boston, MA, Rachel Tupitza (Shawn) of North East, PA, and Angela Wachter (Matt) of Erie, PA. Most of all, the role of a lifetime was as “Papa” to his six adoring grandchildren: Will, Jack, Peyton, Harper, Theodore and Peter. Whether coaching his daughters in softball, spending early mornings at JMC Ice with his son’s hockey team, traveling with his wife, or doting over his grandchildren, his family was his reason for being. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind many beloved cousins, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters in law, and nieces and nephews. 

Bill was a big hearted, hardworking, Labatt drinking, Pittsburgh Penguins & Erie Otters watching, classic rock listening, beach loving, patriotic man who understood deeply what was most important in life. 

He fought the good fight. 

Family and friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake St, North East, on Sunday November 26th from 2pm until the time of a funeral service at 5pm at the funeral home. Private interment will be held at North East Cemetery. 

To honor Bill’s generous spirit, memorial gifts may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the North East Fire Department. 

Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

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