Mr. Howard “Howie” W. Phillips, III, a longtime resident of Medford and beloved husband of Deborah A. (Bates) Phillips, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. He was 63 years old.
Born in Stoneham, Massachusetts, on May 2, 1959, he was the beloved son of the late Howard W., Jr. and Frances E. (French) Phillips. Howie began his working career at New England Memorial Hospital in 1976. Though he enjoyed his early position in the kitchen as a worker and eventual supervisor, he later advanced his career and became a Risk/Patient Relations Manager for the hospital. In 1999, he became a Quality Manager for New England Rehab in Woburn, and enjoyed working there for the rest of his career. Throughout his hospital career, he also liked working part time at the deli of his local Stop & Shop.
Howie found it very easy to make friends. He had a great sense of humor and a skill for telling funny stories. He liked to stay in touch with the many friends he made over the years, whether through Facebook, Zoom, or phone calls. He was also a valued member of the First Baptist Church in Medford.
Howie had many hobbies and interests during his life. He played the trumpet as an alumni of the Medford High School band, and enjoyed listening to a variety of music. His favorite sports team was the Red Sox, and he loved watching their games. In his spare time, he also enjoyed watching movies and television, especially game shows and comedies. His absolute favorite was the Star Trek series. Later in life, he discovered his love of writing poetry and stories, and left behind an impressive collection of his work. He will be dearly missed.
Besides his beloved wife, Debbie, Howie is survived by his loving children; Jessica F. Phillips and John J. Phillips of Medford, sister; Laurie J. Phillips-Stanley and her husband Thomas W. Stanley of Medford, mother-in-law and father-in-law; Carol A. and Paul A. Bergeron of Stoneham, father-in-law; Jack W. Bates and his wife Mary Bates of Kennebunk, Maine, sister-in-law; Kristin Rodgers and her husband Steve Rodgers of Bow, New Hampshire, nieces; Sarah, Julia, Emily, and Samantha, and many more beloved family members.
His funeral service will be celebrated in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Noon. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Visitation will be held in the funeral home, prior to the service, from 10 to Noon. Interment will be held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Donations in Howie’s memory may be made to the Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association, 2 Rehabilitation Way, Woburn, MA 01801. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.