Birch B. (Jr.) Phillips

Birch B. Phillips Jr., 86, of Montoursville, died Friday, January 31, 2020 at UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport.

Born July 30, 1933 in Williamsport, he was a son of the late Birch and Nelcele (Grady) Phillips.  On May 30, 1959 he married the former Annmarie Smith, who survives. Together they celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Birch was a 1951 graduate of Williamsport High school and 1955 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He later earned his MBA from Bloomsburg University.

Birch served honorably in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot.  He was the longtime owner of the former Phillips Supply House, Williamsport.

Birch was a member of St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church, Muncy.

He was well known and active on many community boards.  He was past president of the Divine Providence Hospital Board, Family and Children Services Board, Pennsylvania College of Technology Board, and he was instrumental in creation of the Susquehanna Health System, ultimately becoming the treasurer. He was awarded the Susquehanna Health System Distinguished Lifetime Service Award and the Director’s Chair award from the Community Arts Center.

Birch was a member of the American Legion Post 104, Montoursville, and the Dietrick Lamade Lodge #755 F&AM, where he was a Past Master, and he was a Past Most Wise Master of the Williamsport Chapter of Rose Croix of the Valley of Williamsport, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three children, Douglass Knapsack and her husband, Bill, of Montgomery, Trey Phillips and his wife, Judy Hakes, of Muncy, and Christopher Phillips and his wife, Suzannah, of Austin, TX; eight grandchildren, Molly Knapsack and her husband, Brett Harbison, Emily, Bailey and Abby Knapsack, and Bryce, Kayla and Bryanna Phillips, Valerie Kane and her husband Mike; and three great-grandchildren, Alice Fessler and Birch and Wilbur Harbison.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one sister, Patricia Kohen.

A celebration of Birch’s life will be held Thursday evening, February 6, 2020 at Herman & Luther’s, Route 87 Montoursville from 4:00PM to 7:00 PM.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Birch’s memory be made to the Phillips Family Scholarship, c/o Pennsylvania College of Technology, 1 College Ave. Williamsport, PA 17701.

The family is being assisted by Grenoble Funeral Home, 121 S. Main St. Muncy.

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