Obituary of John J. Phillips

John J. Phillips, of Denville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at Meridian Health Nursing and Rehabilitation in Brick, NJ. He was 85 years young.

Born and raised in Jersey City to the late John and Mary Phillips, he was the oldest of seven children. A true academic, after graduating from Lincoln High School, he received his B.S. in Education from Jersey City Teacher’s College in 1955 and his Master’s Degree, also in Education, from Rutgers University, Graduate School of Education in New Brunswick. He was a perennial student of life and knowledge. For 19 years he taught at PS #8 Elementary School before becoming Assistant School Principal at PS #27 Elementary School, and officially retired in 1991 from PS #34 Elementary School as Principal, all located in Jersey City. After retirement, he became a year-round Denville Resident. Prior, he visited Denville in the summers since 1979 and spent his school year living in West New York, NJ. He was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, N.J. Education Association, N.J. Principal and Supervisors Association, and Retired Educators Association of Hudson County.

John’s true passion was education, with a special place in his heart for the arts. He loved the opera, theatre and was an avid traveler. He was a kind, compassionate, and generous man, teacher, principal, brother, uncle and friend who will forever be treasured in the hearts of many.

Predeceased by his parents, siblings, Robert, Kevin, and Richard, his nephew, Joseph Montemurno and partner, Harry A. Salle, he leaves only fond memories to his adored sisters, Rosemary (the late Patsy) Montemurno and Patricia & Peter Pica; his loving brother, Tommy Phillips; his caring nieces and nephews, Donna & Dominic Ciufo, Vincent Montemurno, Patricia & Vito Dimicco, John Montemurno, Ellen & Scott Pintinics, James & Brenda Pica, Kathleen & John Balla, John Pica, Mary Pica, Richard & Carol Phillips, Colleen & Guido Babore, Maureen & Hans Hauser, Doreen & Alan Wright, J.R. & Amyjo Phillips, and Amy Phillips; his cherished 31 great-nieces and nephews and 3 great-great nieces and nephews; and many more extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 23^rd at 10 am at St. Mary’s RC Church, 15 Myers Ave., Denville, NJ 07834. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery, Denville. Relatives and friends are welcome to celebrate John’s life on Monday, April 22^nd from 6 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share a memory of John for his family.