Frederick Phillips

Fred Phillips, 87, passed away at his home in Camden, Delaware on December 19, 2014.  He was the son of the late Freddie and Roxa Phillips of Hooper’s Island, Maryland where he was born and raised.  Following high school he served in the Merchant Marines traveling throughout much of the world. He then joined  Schriver Gas Conversion Company where he worked for several years in different  areas of the eastern U.S. laying natural gas pipeline.   In 1947 he married the former Virginia E. Todd of Cambridge, Maryland.   With four children and in 1959, they moved to Wyoming, Delaware when he became employed by the company now known as Chesapeake Utilities and retired in 1989 as Vice-President of Operations.  He also participated in several business organizations throughout his career and served as Camden, Delaware’s mayor.

His love of salt water, deep sea fishing, and boating was second to only his love of family.  In the mid-1970s he obtained the U. S. Coast Guard’s accreditation as “Captain” and began operating charter fishing trips from Bahia Marina, Ocean City, Maryland.  He continued to provide this service to age 82, sharing his love and knowledge of boating and deep sea fishing with others.   He was known to have salt water in his veins rather than blood because of this love for the water.  Capt. Fred’s boat, “Virginia” continues to be docked in Ocean City and, although under new ownership, continues to provide the adventure of deep sea fishing to many.    

Fred is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia.  He is predeceased by his son, Frederick “Rick” and daughter, Jean.  Also, surviving him are his daughters and sons-in-law: Teresa P. and Dennis Blades; Emilie P. and Glenn Courtney; and Ann P. and Danny J. Skeans; as well as daughter-in-law, Chandra Phillips.  Grandchildren: Tina H. Gustafson, Linda L. Hunter, James F. Hunter, Tara Pieroni;  Miles Courtney, and Alexis Courtney.  Great-grandchildren: Duston Hunter, Kyle Boyce, Steven Hunter, Holden Hunter, Chayton Miller, Evan Pieroni,  Kiersten Hunter,  Kaitlin Hunter, and Gabby Cope.  Great-Great-Grandchildren:  Micah and Jonah Boyce.   Additionally, brothers-in-law, Clyde G. Todd and Kenneth L. Todd as well as several cousins, their families and treasured friends.

Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, Delaware  will host a viewing on Monday, December 22, 2014 from 7 to 9 PM and a funeral service on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 11 AM.  Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Camden, Delaware.  The family requests that donations be made to the Camden-Wyoming Fire and Ambulance Company, 211 E. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934.

Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com

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