South Grafton – Joshua “Josh” I. Phillips, 43, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 19th 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Josh was born in Worcester and spent most of his life in South Grafton.
Josh is survived by his two children Nicholas and Genevieve Phillips. Josh was the son of Robin and Mark Cancelli, Josh leaves behind a brother Christian Cancelli, numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and two best friends Jimmy Ross and Eddy Cloonan. Josh was greeted at the gates of heaven by his yellow lab Spaulding.
Josh Graduated from Grafton High School in 1998 and then later on in life took online classes at Southern New Hampshire University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. Josh spent his early years before becoming paralyzed as a security guard for many businesses, his favorite being Fidelity Investments.
Josh spent his life devoted to his two children in which he took great pride in they were the light in his eyes.
Josh never let his disability get in the way and enjoyed many things in life including random car trips with his children and cousin, the beach, casino, cape cod searching for great whites and the butterfly garden in Deerfield mass. Josh loved all things nature. He was in his happy place sitting in the car searching for wildlife such as deer, birds, and of course rabbits. Josh will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
Josh’s wishes were that everyone attending services dress casually and comfortably.
Friends and family are invited to remember and celebrate Josh’s by gathering for a time of visitation on Friday, March 24th from 4 to 7 p.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street in Millbury.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 25th at 11 a.m. in Union Congregational Church, 86 Main Street in South Grafton. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, South Grafton.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
