Rev. William 'Bill' Phillips

The death of Reverend William Joseph Phillips, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint John, occurred unexpectedly at his residence on the Feast of the Transfiguration, Saturday, August 6, 2016, at the age of eighty-eight. Father Phillips was born in Saint John, NB, on June 4, 1928, one of five children born to the late Arthur and Elizabeth “Bessie” (Gorham) Phillips. After studying in local schools, he completed his high school at St. Michael’s, Toronto. Following this he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at St. Dunstan’s University, Charlottetown, PEI. Father then taught for a number of years alongside his brother, Frank, in Escuminac, Deer Island and Minto, before entering Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax, NS. Father Phillips was ordained to the priesthood in his home parish of St. Peter’s, Saint John, by the Most Reverend Alfred B. Leverman, on June 17, 1962. After ordination Father was assigned as a Curate to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception where he served for several years before being named Curate of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, in West Saint John. In 1970 he was appointed Associate Pastor of Stella Maris Parish in East Saint John where he served until 1983. At this time he was appointed Chaplain to Rocmaura and Administrator responsible for the missions of St. William’s in St. Martins, St. Patrick’s in Black River and St. Anthony’s in Upham. In 1986 he was named Pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish, Saint John, and continued to be responsible for the missions of St. William’s and St. Patrick’s. In 1989, Father Phillips was transferred to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception where he served as Associate Pastor and Chaplain to St. Joseph’s Hospital. In 1999 Father was appointed priest in residence at St. Pius X Parish from which he also served Rocmaura in a ministry which he loved deeply. In addition to his parish duties over the years, Father spent many years in cable television and radio ministry producing “Catholic Focus” and later, “With Love”. He also served for many years as the Diocesan Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary and as the Faithful Friar to the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He had a deep love for Our Lady and for Our Lord and faithfully shared this love in every way he could. When he wasn’t assisting with confessions in St. Peter’s or ministering in Rocmaura, he could be found practicing and playing the clarinet with Saint Mary’s Band.

Father Phillips is survived by his brother, Dr. Francis Phillips (Adeline) of Orillia, ON, his sisters, Elizabeth Phillips and Marjorie Phillips of Rothesay, and Jacklyn Coyle of Bedford, NS. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Frances Wise (Dan), Dr. Catherine Phillips, Diane Horne (Arthur), David Coyle (Trish), Robert Coyle (Barbara), Paul Coyle, Carolyn MacDonald, John Coyle and their families as well as several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Elizabeth Phillips, and his brother-in-law, Louis Coyle.

Father Phillips will be resting at the Cathedral Residence, 91 Waterloo Street, Saint John, on Monday, August 8, 2016 from 2 to 7 pm. Knights will assemble for Knights Prayer at 6 pm Monday. His remains will then be translated to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for Solemn Vespers at 7 pm followed by visitation. Father’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Robert Harris, Bishop of Saint John, on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 12:10 pm. A reception will be held in the Cathedral Residence immediately afterward, followed by interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to Divine Mercy Catholic School, or a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

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