Charles Phillips, Jr., 80

Jun 30, 2015

Charles R. “Chuck” Phillips, Jr., O.D., 80, of West Wareham died June 23 peacefully at Tobey Hospital after a long illness.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Dr. Charles R. Phillips, Sr. and Hope P. (Whiting) Phillips, he was raised in Fairhaven and lived in Mattapoisett most of his life before moving to Wareham in 1998.

Dr. Phillips was an optometrist in New Bedford for more than 40 years.

He attended Holderness School in New Hampshire and was a graduate of Fairhaven High School.

Dr. Phillips was an avid hunter and fisherman and was happiest when in the north Maine woods at the family cabins.

He was a member of the Pythagorean Lodge A.F. & A.M. Dr. Phillips proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a weatherman and was discharged in July 1961.

Survivors include his three children, Dawn A. Phillips of New Bedford, Karen W. Phillips of East Freetown and Charles R. “Chip” Phillips, III of Mattapoisett; a step-daughter, Linda Misiasek Rosa of New Bedford; his former wife, Gail U. (Underdown) Armbruster of Mattapoisett; and six grandchildren, Matthew E. Neumann, Amanda R. Johnston, Abbe G. Neumann, Charles R. “Cole” Phillips, IV, John Ryan Phillips and Seth M. Phillips. His beloved African gray Congo parrot Jolie will reside with his daughter Dawn.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road (Route 6) Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom St. Boston, MA 02114.