Edward "Bud" W. Phillips

Edward W. Phillips, 87, “Bud” of Westside Road died January 14, 2018. He was the husband of the late Madelyn (Strack) Phillips. Bud was born on December 13, 1930 in Waterbury son of the late Algernon and Beatrice (Taylor) Phillips. 

Bud was a lifelong resident of Woodbury, a true “townie”.  He owned and operated Phillips Diner for over 45 years, having bought the business from his parents after his marriage to Madelyn.  What a team they were; with Bud baking the pies and frying the donuts, Madelyn managing the staff and books.  While Madelyn was a fixture at the counter, you’d find Bud visiting the customers telling an old story or two.  He became famous for the donuts and those amazing Lemon Meringue pies.

While Bud was successful as a restaurant owner and baker, he always felt his greatest accomplishment was his time serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.  He entered the Corps in 1948 directly out of high school and was sent overseas shortly thereafter.  He was in the Chosen Reservoir Campaign, one of the worst battles the Marines have fought.  They suffered from frost bite, starvation and the realization they were surrounded by 100,000 Chinese with little chance of escape.  He is a long standing member of the Chosen Few organization.  A group dedicated to their time in the “Frozen Chosen” and the brotherhood they forged.

Bud greatest love besides his Madelyn was his passion for flying.  He owned and piloted a Cessna 150 for over 40 years. He spent every available minute in that plane and with his “gang” from Oxford Airport, a lively bunch of fellow pilots always eager for a short hop or a long trip anywhere.  When Bud was no longer able to pilot his own plane, he and his dear friend Eileen would team up for those jaunts.  The family is forever grateful to her for helping Bud keep his passion for flying alive. 

Active in the Woodbury community, Bud was a member of the First Congregational Church, and a member of the Lions Club; serving as Past –President. He was on the Republican Town committee, and the Zoning Commission. He had been a Director at the Woodbury Savings Bank and was a member of King Solomon’s Lodge #7.

He is survived by his son, Michael Phillips and his wife Maria of Arizona, his daughters and their husbands, Beth and John Jungen of Middlebury, Aimee and Dann Messenger of Southbury, his granddaughter Taylor Phillips, and one great grandchild, Grayson.  Besides his wife he was predeceased by his sisters Janice Anderson, Audrey Bliven and his brother Jack Phillips.

Bud’s children would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those that cared for him in his time of need.  Bill Mulready, who took on more than was ever asked, willingly, and with such kindness, compassion and patience.  Michelle Nardini who believed making sure Bud had fun was the highest priority.  Amanda “Maba” Mejia who was tenacious, loving and fun, she was determined to get anything and everything Bud needed, no matter what.  Christine Feeney, who took beautiful care of Bud, allowing him to retain his dignity and pride.  And to the nurses and staff of his Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice team,  Kathy, Jess thank you.

Semper Fi Marine.  Once a Marine, Always a Marine, No such thing as an ex-Marine, only a dead Marine.

Friends may call the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson Lovetere, 2 School St. on January 20, 2018 from 10 a.m., to 12 p.m., with a memorial service at 12 p.m. Burial in the Old North cemetery with full military honors immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodbury Lions Club, POB 314, Woodbury, CT 06798. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com 

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