It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald A. Phillips Sr. of Delmar. Born on August 25, 1946, in Salisbury, he was a son of the late Howard Lynch Phillips and Beatrice Malone Phillips. The last several years were physically difficult on Donald and his family, yet his never-give-up attitude was an inspiration to them all. Donald peacefully passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, at TidalHealth-Peninsula Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Donald was a man of strong will, integrity and excellence, graduating from Delmar High School with the class of ‘64. His work ethic and dedication led him into the concrete business, where he partnered with his uncle, George Malone Sr., to establish Malone & Phillips Concrete Work and together, they built a reputation for fairness and exceptional concrete work second to none. In 1989 Donald became the sole proprietor of Malone & Phillips Concrete Work Inc. until his retirement in 2015 due to health reasons. Alongside several other community business leaders, he served as a consultant on the building of the new high school and served on the building committee for the new Delmar Fire Department building, volunteer jobs in which he took much pride. Through the years he had done many concrete projects in the community, and they knew Donald would make sure they were completed to his high standards.
Donald was deeply involved in the Delmar community, serving as a respected member of the Delmar Fire Department for over 50 years, and the Delmar VFW Post 8276. His commitment to these organizations was unwavering, earning him the titles of DFD President, Assistant (3rd) Chief, Chief Engineer, Chief Driver, Chief Cole Slaw Maker for the DFD and was affectionately called, “Donald Duck Dumplin’ Man” for the VFW. He also served a combination of 36+ years as Bingo caller for both organizations. Donald also attended St. Stephen’s Methodist Church in Delmar.
In addition to his community service, Donald found joy in coaching Little League, Senior League and Big League baseball as well as racing his ‘59 and ‘65 Impalas at the Delmar Drag Strip, shooting pool and playing flag football. He was an avid fan and supporter of the Delmar Wildcats football team. His passion for sports extended to being an ardent fan of the Baltimore Colts and Chicago Bears. Yet, nothing brought him greater joy than his prized possession, his ‘66 Corvette.
A man of many talents and a heart of gold, Donald’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him. His presence will be sorely missed by his family. He was a cherished husband to his devoted wife of over 58 years, Beth Phillips; a beloved father to his son, Donald “Bert” Phillips Jr. and daughter Christine Phillips, M.D. (Mike Sweeney); and a doting GrandDaddy to his granddaughter, Lauren Hannah Sweeney. He is also survived by sisters, Joyce Nichols, Nancy Carr (Mike), and Linda McCain; sisters-in-law, Peggy Moore (Wayne) and Wendy Rohrbach; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of extended family members and friends. Donald was especially close and thankful for his special friendship with Doug and Sue Niblett.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Phillips and brothers-in-law, Richard Truitt, Nicky Nichols and Tom McCain.
A celebration of Donald’s life will be held to honor his memory. The funeral services will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Methodist Church in Delmar, where a visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Pastor Paul James and Tom Adkins, DFD Chaplain, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Delmar VFW Post 8276, 200 W. State Street, Delmar, MD 21875, the Delmar Fire Department, P.O. Box 143, Delmar, DE 19940, or Delmar High Athletic Boosters, c/o Dawn Webb, 200 N. 8th Street, Delmar, DE 19940, in honor of Donald’s memory.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.