Glen T. Phillips

Surrounded by his loving family and the tunes of James Taylor, Glen Phillips departed this world on February 5, 2025 and entered the spirit realm. After enduring years of pain, he has finally found relief and is now at peace, reunited with his cherished loved ones, both furry and human, who have crossed over before him. Surely, his beloved brother John was the first to embrace him with open arms. 

Glen, known to many as Dad, Daddyo, Papa, Dean Dean, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Friend, and Cowboy, was born on February 23, 1950, in Franklin Park, Illinois. Growing up as the youngest in the family, Glen quickly learned the perks of being the baby of the bunch and that he could “do no wrong” according to him. With his Father Glen, Mother Evelyn, and siblings Noreen, Johanna, and John, he always marched to the beat of his own drum and happily spoke his mind, if he spoke at all. 

Growing up, Glen spent many years fostering his love and talent for swimming. While attending Evansville University on a swimming scholarship, he competed nationally, was named “All-American,” and placed tenth in the nation in the 1600 meter free-style event. He worked on the Milwaukee Railroad for many years and held multiple roles, with his last being a Tower Operator, a job he learned while growing up watching his Father work as the Yard Master. He was a proud Veteran and served honorably in the United States Air Force as a Sergeant Military Police Officer during the Vietnam War from ’73-‘77. He took his duties very seriously but may or may not have gotten himself into trouble a couple of times with his witty humor and sarcasm.

 After returning from military service, he stepped in to replace his mother as a ballroom dancing instructor through the community college night classes held at East Leyden High School for nearly 20 years. It was during one of these classes that he met his former wife. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters in Schiller Park, Illinois. Summers were spent at Woodhaven Lakes, where Glen would strum his guitar around the campfire and teach his girls the classic “childhood game” of cribbage. 

A man who loved the simple pleasures in life: a fresh cup of coffee, his favorite music playing, and his daughters close by. In 1998, the family relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts. A year later, Glen faced a major cardiac episode that changed the course of his life. In 2003, doctors advised him to move to a dry and warm climate, estimating he had only 2-3 years left. But Glen, always the one to have the last laugh, proved them wrong and held on for another 22 years. After moving to Arizona and volunteering with a horse rescue, he was healed and discovered his unique gifts of communicating with animals and spirits, and healing those still earthside. 

Glen loved this work and would get this calm, peaceful, happy glow about him. This passion gave him a great sense of purpose and he enjoyed sharing his gifts with others for the remainder of his years both in the beautiful deserts of Arizona that he loved so much, as well as back in Massachusetts.

 Glen was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it almost certainly included wisdom or guidance he wished to impart. His face would get serious, eyebrows drastically raised, and phrases like "Now...understand..." or "JUST so you know..." became his signature. He was always ready with a solution for any problem if you needed it; and even if you didn’t ask for one, he often jokingly offered to "take 'em out back and beat the s**t out of 'em" if someone wronged (or pretended to wrong) those he cared about. Glen's life was a testament to resilience, stubbornness, love, and humor. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, wisdom, and beautiful memories. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit lives on in all who loved him.

Glen is survived by his daughters Stephanie Phillips, Carolyn (and Paul) Clark, Amanda (and Justin) Carmen, his 4 grandchildren, his sisters Noreen (and Dan) LaValle, Johanna (and James) Blockinger, Catherine Phillips, his former wife Cheryl Phillips, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Glen and Evelyn Phillips and brother John Phillips.

No services are planned at this time, but if you wish to celebrate him, lift a glass of Single Malt Scotch in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to your local veteran or humane societies.