Harold E Phillips Sr

Harold E Phillips, Sr.
December 25, 1933 – July 25, 2024
Harold Eugene Phillips, Sr., devoted husband for almost 60 years, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024, at the age of 90.  Harold, better known as “Gene” was born in Cambridge on December 25, 1933 to the late Gwendolyn and St. Clair Phillips Sr. of Barbados. Gene grew up in Somerville and graduated from Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge, MA. 
Gene served honorably in the Army for two years in Germany, then pursued further education at Wentworth Institute, studying Tool and Die Design. After attending Fitchburg State College, where he became a certified Vocational Education Teacher, Gene's passion for teaching led him to instruct machine shop students at East Boston High School before he concluded his career at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School in Wakefield, MA, as a machine shop instructor and Department Supervisor.
Upon retiring from teaching, he became interested in buying and selling antiques and collectables. In his shop in Rockland, he repaired furniture and electrical devices. At home, using his industrial sewing machine, he made boat tops, cushions, pillows, and bags of all kinds.  He enjoyed caning and split weaving chairs.  His hobby was fixing and selling objects for auctions and flea markets. He loved laughing, joking, and interacting with people while making a sale. 
Family was very important to Gene. He was a provider and instilled the importance of family by making sure his children knew and spent time with their relatives. He hosted an annual family Labor Day cookout, attended outings to Salem Willows, birthday parties, weddings, concerts and any family event that he was invited to. This brought him so much joy to see people laughing and sharing memories together. That continued throughout his married life, almost to the end, thanks to his children and grandson, Andrew. 
Gene and his beloved wife, Lorna, enjoyed traveling together, exploring countries such as Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, England, Dubai and multiple trips to Barbados.  Their travels also included a five week road trip across the United States, enjoying camping, and visiting many national parks, as well as vacationing to Hawaii and Alaska.
Gene took immense pride and joy in his children's achievements. He watched with pride as his son, Dr. Harold E. Phillips, Jr., pursued a successful medical career, and his daughter excelled as a BU Hall of Fame athlete and later as a Finance Director. Gene’s unwavering support and encouragement helped his children achieve their dreams. An actively involved "Grandpa," Gene loved spending time with his grandchildren throughout the year celebrating holidays, birthdays and major milestones. 
He was an avid fisherman for most of his life. Fresh and saltwater fishing was how he relaxed. Later, after taking Power Squadron classes, he took family and friends out on his 25-foot Grady White and his 31 foot Egg Harbor Cabin Cruiser which he enjoyed for 10 years. He shared his catch (skinned and filleted) with family and friends. He passed on this love of fishing to his children and his nephew Stephen Phillips.
Gene was predeceased by his parents and his siblings St. Clair Phillips, Jr., Germaine Taylor, Melvin Phillips, and Gwendolyn Phillips-Terry. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Lorna H. Phillips; son Dr. Harold (Kimberly) Phillips, Jr. of Tampa, Fl.; daughter Karen Preval of Brockton, MA.; grandchildren, Moriya (Jimmy) Phillips-Eugene, Rhema Phillips, Harold Phillips III, Andrew Preval and sister-in-law Charlotte Goodridge. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
Harold Eugene Phillips, Sr. will be remembered for his love, humor, and dedication to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace. We love you, Daddy, Grandpa and Uncle Gene!

Below are the Zoom Meeting details for Mr. Harold Phillips:

Meeting ID: 894 2500 8045
Passcode: 936407

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