Joseph J. Phillips, 93, of Worcester, died Saturday, January 26, 2013 surrounded by his family at St. Francis Home after a short illness.
     He leaves his wife, Doris (Lizotte) Bellino Phillips, a sister, Virginia O’Callahan of Westfield, four stepchildren, Diane Blanchard and her husband Brian of Grafton, Kevin Bellino and his wife Pamela of Grafton, Joseph Bellino and his wife Melanie of Charlton, and Gina Lemay and her husband John of Charlton; seven step-grandchildren, Angela, Anthony, Kristyn, Jourdan, Jillian, Alexander, and Christopher, and a niece. He is predeceased by his first wife, Rose (Laprade) Phillips, a sister, Blanche Gingras, and a nephew. He was born in Worcester, son of Walter and Antoinette (Damkaukas) Phillips, and lived in Worcester most of his life.
     Joseph was a master electrician at Worcester State College for 12 years, then worked independently as an electrician after retiring from Worcester State. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving in Pearl Harbor, Midway, the Atlantic and Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He received the Key to the City on June 14, 1984 by Mayor Joseph Tinsley. He was instituted as an acolyte in 1994 by Bishop Timothy Harrington, and served as an acolyte for 15 years. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church. He enjoyed maintaining his home and painstakingly tended his yard and gardens.
     The funeral will be held Wednesday, January 30 from RICE FUNERAL HOME, 300 Park Ave, Worcester, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph’s Church, 35 Hamilton St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be Tuesday, January 29 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 35 Hamilton St., Worcester, MA 01604.