John J Phillips

John Joseph Phillips, Jr., of Tuckertown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born in South Amboy, New Jersey, in 1938, John was the son of John Joseph Phillips, Sr. and Josephine (Kominkiewicz) Phillips Lauritsen. He was raised in South Amboy and educated at St. Mary’s Catholic grammar and high schools.

Following graduation, John proudly answered the call to serve his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He served with honor in the 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, a chapter of his life he always reflected on and regarded with deep pride.

After completing his military service, John met the love of his life, Iris Lie, at a local dance.  They were married in 1962 and began building a life together, raising their young family in South Amboy before moving to Delaware in 1974. John and Iris eventually returned to New Jersey, living in Beach Haven, Long Beach Island for 25 years before moving to Tuckerton, NJ.

John began his professional career with the DuPont Company in Parlin, New Jersey, following his discharge from the Marine Corps in 1960. Balancing work, education, and family life, he attended night school and earned a degree in Accounting.  In 1974  he transferred to the DuPont headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. Over the years, John held several positions at multiple DuPont sites throughout Delaware, earning the respect of colleagues through his dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic, until his retirement in 1993.

From childhood onward, music was one of the great joys of John’s life. He began playing the accordion as a young boy, playing in bands and filling family gatherings with lively music and the Polish polkas his mother, grandparents and community enjoyed. As he grew older, he taught himself to play the keyboard, spending countless hours at the keys. Whether entertaining or simply playing for his own enjoyment, music remained a constant thread through every stage of his life—a source of comfort, creativity, and quiet happiness.

John was predeceased by his son, Jack (John) Kevin Phillips, and by his brothers James Phillips, Joseph Phillips, and William Lauritsen. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Iris (Lie) Phillips; his daughters, Cheryl-Anne Stichter (Roger) and Susan Kane (Michael); his cherished grandchildren, Lori-Anne Rapposelli (Christopher), Aaron Jones (Breana), Kelly Stichter,and Sydney Kane; and his adored great-grandchildren, Raegan, Charlotte, Chase, Sekayi, and Noelle, who brought him immense happiness.

John will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a proud Marine, and a hardworking provider whose quiet strength and commitment to family defined his life which will live on in the memories of those who knew him.In lieu of flowers, John’s memory can be honored through donations to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation

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