John Phillips

John Phillips “Swampy”, age 68 passed away January 30, 2025. Beloved son of the late John and Bernice (Smith) Phillips. 

John is survived by his loving wife Donna (Vivaldi) Phillips; Children: John F. Phillips, Joseph L. Phillips, and Aleece M. Johnson (Ryan): Grandchildren, John Patrick “JP”, Alexis, and McKenzie; Siblings: Jackie Ross (Frank), Michael Phillips (Kathy), Jody Phillips (Tina), Bunny Thiboutot, Val Phillips, and Pete Phillips; And many nieces and nephews. 

John was raised in Folcroft, PA, where he gained his Alias of “Swampy” from catching snapping turtles and selling them to local restaurants for soup! He met his wife Donna at ‘The Lodge’ where he asked her to go for a ride on his motorcycle. They married on May 16, 1981 and raised their family in Morton, PA. The family spent many years vacationing down the Jersey Shore, the Caribbean, and their favorite...one happy island, Aruba.

John was a hard-working man and spent the bulk of his career as a general contractor. He worked as a shop steward and lead mechanical maintenance engineer at Rollins Environmental where he trained as a hazmat firefighter. During his time in industry, John opened his own business (Phillips and Sons Roofing) and taught his kids how to build a house from the ground up. He then finished his career and retired as a Local 13 Boilermaker. When not working, John loved projects and spent most of his days in his garage, whether working on his Harley, the Corvette, or a side project for his family and friends. John was a softy for animals, especially his cat Comet AKA Mr. C, and the late ‘boys’ Spike and Gizmo. He loved fishing. When teaching his sons and daughter how to work with him, no one ever really knew how to hold the flashlight correctly or hand him the correct wrench. Though we laugh now, he taught his children how to properly do everything without calling anyone but him for help! He was Mr. Fix It. He could talk shop for hours to anyone who would listen, sharing his wisdom and experience with those willing to listen and learn. He had a profound sense of humor and could light up the room with laughter. He will be missed by all and remembered for the great man that he was.

Relatives and friends are invited to John’s visitation on Friday, Feburary 7, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM followed by a service at 11:30 AM at The Knoetgen-Donohue Funeral Home, 746 Kedron Avenue, Morton, PA 19070. Interment private.