SARASOTA, FL (FORMERLY OF RACINE) – Mr. Peter Phillips, 88, passed away at his residence with his family by his side on Sunday, May 17, 2020.

He was born in Racine on February 7, 1932, and is the son of the late Peter W. and Josephine (nee: Falbo) Phillips.  Pete graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1950 and, after high school, served his nation with the U.S. Army stationed in Germany.

On August 28, 1954 he married Beverly E. Passehl at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Racine, and together they raised four children. Pete was a life-long devout Catholic and a faithful member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Faith and family were the core of his life and he was devoted to instilling those values on his children. Beverly preceded him in death on October 1, 2011.

Pete spent his entire professional career in the financial industry, retiring from Chase Bank in 1997 after more than 20 years of service. Whether professionally or personally, he had a reputation as someone who had the utmost positive attitude. He loved to engage people he met in conversation or share a good story. Anyone who met Pete, knew him. He was a great listener and always offered practical and sound advice. Pete played basketball in his early years, was an avid golfer for most of his adult life, and enjoyed watching a good game of just about any sport. Pete led a very active lifestyle, and in the last 8 years traveled to Italy twice, took several cruises, and enjoyed many road trips. He spent a good part of the last decade with his 2 ^nd family and friends in Sarasota. Pete was a former member of the Roma Lodge where he enjoyed playing Bocce, and took his love for the game to Camelot East in Sarasota where he built and commissioned a league of more than 130 people.

He is survived by his devoted children, Debra Brinza of Muskego, Robert (Pam) Phillips of Roscoe, IL, Sherri (Michael) Gregg of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and Julie (Daniel) DeWitt of Greendale; eight loving grandchildren, Shelli Wandersee, Tara Young, Kristi Smith, Garrett Gregg, Nicole Brinza, Steve Brinza, Jenna DeWitt, and Nick DeWitt; his ten great-grandchildren; his loving companion, Lois Guess; his brothers, Donald (Judy) Phillips of Barrington, IL, Kenneth (Ann) Phillips of Wauwatosa; Amber Leitner and Lindsey Boylan; his good buddy, Kyle; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Peter was also preceded in death by his second wife, Barbara (nee: Hayward, Pogorzelski) Phillips and his sister, Mary Jane (Walter) Schmidt.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 for a visitation from 5-7 p.m. In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time.  You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building.  For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to bring and wear a face covering.  We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time . The celebration of his life and Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 27 ^th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Due to church restrictions, the Mass will be private, but family and friends are welcome to go on the obituary page of the funeral home's website to watch the live stream of his service. Click on this link (if there are technical difficulties with live streaming the service will be recorded and will be viewable later) https://youtu.be/hO2IU0t8EBc Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Donations to the American Cancer Society in memory of Peter have been suggested.

The Phillips family extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota, FL for their extraordinary kindness, compassion, and dedicated care provided to Peter and his family.

Service Details

VISITATION

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

5:00 p.m. –  7:00 p.m.

In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time.  You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building.  For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to bring and wear a face covering.  We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time .

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

11:00 a.m.

Due to church restrictions, the Mass will be private, but family and friends are welcome to go on the obituary page of the funeral home's website to watch the live stream of his service. Click on this link (if there are technical difficulties with live streaming the service will be recorded and will be viewable later) https://youtu.be/hO2IU0t8EBc

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