Richard “Pete” E. Phillips of Laurel passed away on Jan. 23 at Harrison Senior Living surrounded by his loving family. Pete was born on Aug. 23, 1937 to the late Clifton E. Phillips, Sr. and Margaret Brittingham Phillips. Pete graduated from Laurel High School in the class of 1955. After graduation he attended Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Va,, where he played football as a walk on starter at the center position. He also played baseball and played trombone in their band. In his youth he was an Eagle Scout. 

After graduating from Massanutten Military Academy in 1956 Pete began his career as a Union Plaster, building many commercial buildings and handling many large construction projects. After retiring as a Union Plaster, he worked for many years with O’Neal Brothers and lastly, retiring as the chief custodian with the Laurel School District. He attended Sailor’s Bethel United Methodist Church, and enjoyed watching the Philadelphia sports teams: the Eagles, Phillies and 76ers; and also enjoyed jogging, cycling, gardening and going to the beach. 

Pete is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Janet Phillips; daughter, Nieca Phillips-Lietzan (David); sons, Richard G. Phillips (Belinda) and Jonathan E. Phillips (Tana); grandchildren, Dr. Adam D. Lietzan (Chrissy), Emily Lietzan-Evans (Joshua), Seth T. Slacum, Richard J. Phillips, Whitney Marcantel (Josh), Morgan Jenkins (Jacob), Kamryn Bourque, Leah Lagrange (Hunter), and Mattie Phillips; great- grandchildren, Parker Rose Evans, Cooper Ryan Evans, Kolten Lagrange, Delcan Marcantel, Finn Marcantel, and Eliza Jenkins, several nieces and nephews also survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Patience Phillips Slacum; brothers, Clifton E. Phillips, Jr. and Fred Phillips; and sister, Barbara Melvin. 

A visitation was held on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel, followed by a funeral service. Reverend Bill Nack officiated. Interment was held in Portsville Cemetery. Contributions may be sent in honor of Richard “Pete” Phillips to Sailor’s Bethel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 187, Bethel, DE 19931. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.