Marblehead,MA

Phillips Dana Church died in the evening of April 10, 2008 at Salem
Hospital. Born in Lynn, MA in 1935, Phil was the only child of Dr. Dana Earle and Luella (Phillips) Church. The family lived on Beach Street in
Marblehead.

Phil's boyhood summers were spent at Camp Kabeyun in New Hampshire where he gained a love of outdoor activities and excelled at horsemanship,
swimming, and sailing.

After graduating from Marblehead High School Phil joined the US Air
Force stationed at the RAF base in Burtonwood, England, serving in the
Veterinary and Canine Corps. He returned to Marblehead late in 1959 with a British bride Norma and a son. He found employment at Parker Brothers Games Inc. in Salem, MA. A loyal and conscientious employee over 23
years, Phil worked his way up to become Assistant Production Manager for
several years before he left in 1974.

Phil was an avid and active sailor over 8 consecutve seasons to the mid 1970s. He raced in the Ensign class #574 in Marblehead as crew to
skipper Dr. E. Hartley Smith on 'Brandywine'. Over this period they won everything there was to be won and certainly were familiar with the race
winning shotgun blast.

The family spent winter weekends skiing at Mt. Whittier in West Ossipee, NH, where Phil immensely enjoyed the family-oriented scene. As a member of the Ski Patrol with friend and neighbor Gordon Brown, he was qualified in Standard and Advanced Mountain First Aid.

Phil's lifelong passion was card playing. Latterly he played cribbage everyday with the usual suspects. In the mornings he played at the Market Square Association where he was Secretary and torchbearer for many years. In the afternoon he migrated to the Gerry 5 VFA where he
served on the club's Orientation Committee. Playing competitively he won the Gerry 5 VFA Doubles Tournament on two occasions.

Phil will be remembered by all who knew him as a man with a generous,
warm heart who was easy to talk with. With a kind gentle manner and a ready laugh he was well liked. His spirit will be missed.

He is survived by his two sons David Phillips Church of Marblehead, MA and Dana Earle Church of London, England and his faithful chocolate labrador Kali.


A remembrance reception will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Thursday April 17 at the Gerry 5 VFA at 210 Beacon Street in Marblehead. Donations may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous. For online guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978 744 0497.