Retired Marblehead Firefighter, Joseph Smith Phillips, age 76 of
Marblehead, died April 5, 2013 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers. Born on December 6, 1936, the son of the late William A. and Abbie (Curran)Phillips, he was raised in Marblehead's Shipyard neighborhood and was a descendant of generations of Marblehead fishermen dating back to the 1600's.

He attended Star of the Sea Catholic Church and was a star athlete when he graduated Marblehead High School. After serving his country in the Navy,
he worked for over thirty-three years as a Marblehead Firefighter. In retirement, he was a frequent visitor of Marblehead's Swap Shed and was
devoted to his house projects, grandchildren, and the neighborhood kids.

He leaves behind a son Joseph Richwagen of Swampscott; a daughter Kristin Richwagen of Berne, NY; a partner Carol Kenney of Marblehead and her son Shane of Maryland; a sister Ann Petersen of Marblehead; her daughter Jody Martin of Marblehead; a brother William A. Phillips, Jr. (predeceased); and three grandchildren Geneva, Mathias, and Liam.

His funeral will be held on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10:30 AM from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (corner of North St.) Salem for a procession past Marblehead Fire Department Headquarters, around the "Ferry"
continuing to Waterside Cemetery where funeral services will be celebrated in the Arland Dirlam Chapel by the Marblehead Fire Department Chaplain, Rev. Dennis Calhoun. For those who can, a walking procession will continue to his family lot in Waterside Cemetery (you may drive as well). At the family's request, there are no visiting hours, however a reception will follow the services at the Gerry No. 5 Veterans Fireman's Association, 210 Beacon St., Marblehead. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Friends of Marblehead's Abandoned Animals. For online guest book or additional information please contact the Murphy Funeral Home, 781 631 8885, or visit http://www.murpyfuneralhome.com