Donald J. Phillips

Donald J. Phillips died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on April 1st, 2020.

Don was born to Richard and Phyllis Phillips of Akron, OH on March 23rd, 1941. He was a graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School class of 1959. Don continued his education at the University of Akron. He joined the Akron Police Department in September of 1968, until the time came for a career change. He was recruited as a district manager for the Akron Beacon Journal until his retirement 32 years later.

Don was a compassionate, loving husband and a kind, patient father. He was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and friends over the years. Don was also a skilled marksman and an avid bowler. He always enjoyed a good cigar and a game of chess with any one of his grandchildren.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Phyllis Phillips, and Troy Metzner his son-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Tricia E. (Osborne) Phillips; and their 4 children, Ellen (Phillips) Metzner of Conway, SC and her children Caitlin (Metzner) West and Kara (Metzner) Ciaston; James (Robyn) Phillips of Springfield Twp., OH and their children Tristan, Cassidy, Natalie, Brandon, and Jocelyn; Sean (Janeen) Phillips of Brimfield Twp., OH and their children Savannah and Aidan; Matthew (Catherine) Phillips of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and their children Jared, Ian, Alexis, Isaac, Isabella, and Olivia. Don is also survived by his sisters, Sue (Linc) Hackim, Nancy (Bob) Eggers and June (Jim) Meech; brothers-in-law, Dave (Kate) Osborne, Thomas (Deborah) Osborne and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a dual service for Tricia and Donald J. Phillips at St. Sebastian Catholic Church at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday July 17th, 2021. Family and friends may visit from 10:00-11:00 A.M. with Mass directly after.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Matt Phillips c\o 810 Portage Tr Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.

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