Philip was born to Anthony P. Tarvers and Mary Elizabeth Silva (a/k/a Molly) Tarvers. The family lived at 178 Bradford Street which was called at the time “Twin Gates”. His father was the Chief of Police in Provincetown in 1939 - 1943. His uncle, George Adams who was Captain of the Captain Bill at one time, brought up the huge anchor that had rested for many years at the head of Provincetown's main wharf and now located in Lopes Square.
He graduated in 1956 from Provincetown High school. Went into the Marine Corp in 1958 at Camp Lejeune, NC. He relocated to California where he married Mary Ann Hendrick in 1962, together they raised 4 children, 3 daughters and a son.
In 1964, he and his family returned to Provincetown to run the Twin Gates Inn. Over the
years, he opened a full service laundromat in Hyannis, Dry Cleaning Business in Dennis and Barnaby’s Restaurant in Hyannis... just to name a few of his adventures. An entrepreneur and business man may have been what he did in life but his heart, as his family, friends, and the locals define him is a little different...
"Phil" a larger than life spirit who walked among us everyday or drove a very flashy jeep with a whale painted on it’s side, giving out jovial smiles, hugs, advice and love. A man who wore his heart on his sleeve...yet kept his imperfections inside his soul, for it was his job to take care and give the smiles, hugs, advice, love and ... of course the occasional dirty joke followed by a hearty laugh. He played this role to perfection because he has left his heavy footprints on many a heart and soul. The loudest and most unapologetically honest man we know, there is a definite void and much sorrow in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He will be missed and remembered as a strong, gentle spirit and in the end, a big guy who didn’t want a big show. The family will gather privately to scatter his cremains.
He is preceded in death by; Both of his parents, his brother: Bruce, sister: Cynthia and his son Tony. He is survived by his sister Sylvia Tarvers Weston, his 3 daughters: Tina Nannette (Mark) Goss, Anna Marie Reams, Roxanne (Kevin) Scott. 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, 4 nieces and 5 nephews.
"Some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you"- Anthony Tarvers