Stanley James Phillips, 75, of Beaver, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2025, in the comfort of the family cottage on Connoquenessing Creek. He was born in Sewickley on May 24th, 1950, the son of the late Howard and Joye Phillips. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws who truly loved him like a son, Gilio and Helena Lazzaretti and his very good friend and his spiritual brother, Joseph Vitunic. He is survived by his grieving family, including his wife of 40 years, Lisa Phillips, his children: Jessica (Ryan) Follmer, Samuel J. Phillips, Elizabeth (Noah) Lheureau, and Hannah (Jerry) Welsh; as well as his grandson, James Follmer, his sisters, Barbara (Walter) Johns and Peggy Vitovich, his sister-in-law, Judy (Roger) Spurlock, his nephews, Caleb Spurlock, Jacob Spurlock and Jason Phillips, his nieces, Michaela Spurlock and Rachael Cottrell, and his best buddy, his dog Benny.
Stanley attended Moon Township High School where he developed his love of music playing the bass clarinet. He earned two Associates Degrees in Electronics and as an OR Technician, and was also certified in HVAC. At the age of twenty, he served his country in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and despite the odds he made it home safely. In the years following, and in meeting his wife, Lisa, he gave his life to Christ. His steadfast faith was an inspiration to his family and community. He devoted much of his time to studying and applying God’s word and bearing witness to all who met him through his good works, sharing his story, and playing worship music. His ministries included hosting Bible studies in his home, serving his church community as an elder, shepherding new Christians in their walk of faith, and leading worship for his church. His walk with God brought him the opportunity to play bass in the church worship band. For many years, you could see him loading into the church early to set up, because if he was not early, he was late. He was a gifted musician who sang, played the bass, guitar, lap steel, and several other instruments. His passion and faith radiated from him when he played music for his friends and family, touching their lives and bringing them closer to one another and closer to God. Anything he did, he did so with pride and determination. He was also an avid fisherman who loved to share his knowledge with others. He taught his son, his daughters, his wife, and countless friends how to hook a worm and catch a big one all while teaching them to love and respect nature. Catching two fish on the same line was his most impressive fishing trick. The time he spent with his fishing buddies was a source of fond memories and great stories. He also had several jobs over the years, from working at Dravo between 1973 and 1983, working as an electronic technician, and an OR technician. Then he found contentment working in maintenance with Beaver County, where he could use his mental and technical expertise while doing what he loved most, working with his hands. If there was something he could not fix, it was truly broken. He worked for the county until his retirement in 2011. He raised four wonderful children alongside his beloved wife of 40 years, Lisa. From the moment they met, they knew that they had both found a lifelong love. He was an outdoorsman as well as a craftsman, building a beautiful home with Lisa. Together, they brought their dreams into reality, no matter how big or small. He was a gentle and quiet man, despite his tall stature. He was incredibly smart, so resilient, and loved to laugh. His kind eyes and the way his face crinkled during a good belly laugh, will be sorely missed. He had many hobbies, all of which he would become an expert on, however what he enjoyed most was quality time spent with his friends, family, and his dog. He always wanted the best for his family and was determined to raise his kids better than the generation before him. We would like to think he succeeded in that. He will be remembered in every belly laugh, in every moment of quiet contemplation, in every bear hug, with love, respect, and gentile sorrow.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 2nd from 11 a.m. until the time of a memorial service at 1 p.m. in the Gabauer-Todd Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Celebration Of Life will follow on Friday, January 2nd at 2 p.m. at Frank G’s Place, 500 Market St, Beaver. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans.
Inurnment will take place in the spring at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.
