Shrewsbury – Richard J. “Rich” Phillips, 78, a lifelong resident of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2021. He was the beloved son of the late Warren E. and Helen C. (Weiss) Phillips, and brother of Steven J. Phillips of Shrewsbury.
Richard graduated from St. John’s High School in 1960, and then attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, graduating with a BA in 1966.
Rich was a starting defensive back for the great St. John’s teams coached by the legendary Bob Devlin in the late 1950s, going undefeated his senior year of 1959. He was also one of the early stars of the Little League when it began in the early 1950s, and later played for the Ray Stone Post of the American Legion.
Drafted by the Army in 1966, he put his pharmaceutical skills to work first in Coraopolis, Pa. and later at Ft. Benning, Ga. When his father became disabled by a stroke, Rich opted to return to Shrewsbury instead of continuing in the service. He was very proud of his choice to return home to help out with his family. During that time, he worked at Hale Drug, the Center Pharmacy in Hudson, and Shattuck’s Pharmacy in Northborough. The owner of the first pharmacy he worked for called him the “best pharmacist he’d ever seen.”
Rich loved Shrewsbury and his neighbors and friends. He was devoted to the upkeep of his property. He attended the Church of Christ at St, John’s for several years and later returned to his original parish, St. Mary of Shrewsbury. Near the end of his life, Rich came to terms with his “Creator,” acknowledging his shortcomings, but convinced the Creator would judge him as “doing a good job.” He hoped all his friends will reach the same conclusion.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his graveside service on Saturday, June 5, at 10 a.m., at Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury. Rendering of Military Honors will follow.
