Russell Frank Phillips

Russell Frank Phillips, 93 of Romeo passed away on May 19, 2021 at home with his loving wife of 70 years Carol. Russell was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late William and Helen (Hewelt) Phillips. Russell graduated from Wilbur Wright Trade school in 1945. After graduation, at 17 years old, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Cacapon-AO 52. The day he was sworn into the Navy, the United States dropped the atomic bomb over Japan. In 1946, he served with Admiral Byrd and was part of the task force that went to the South Pole. In 1947 his ship sailed to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan and was shocked to see all the damage that was caused by the Atomic bomb. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1949 and worked as an Electrician with I.B.E.W. Local 58; where he was a proud 65-year member. Russell followed his father into the Masons in 1949 and rose to the level of Worshipful Master Mason of Laurel Lodge 575, Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Russell married Carol Sonntag on November 25, 1950 and were married for 70 years. Russell loved to travel, enjoyed fishing, solving crossword puzzles, putting together difficult jigsaw puzzles, and playing various forms of Bridge, Pinochle and Euchre. He was active in the lives of each of his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their events and actively participating in their lives. Russell is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, son, Gary (Martha) Phillips, and daughter, Gail Cieszkowicz. He was the proud Grandpa to Christine (Jason Aleksandrowicz) Phillips, Michael Phillips and Dr. Sarah (David) Lawler, Jenny (Jason Hernden) Barbieri and Scott Cieszkowicz. He loved to play with his Great Grandchildren, Anthony and Angelina Barbieri and Parker and Carter Aleksandrowicz. Russell will be dearly missed for his wise words, loving heart and great sense of humor, he always had a joke and a story to share and made friends wherever he went. A celebration of his Life will take place on May 22, 2021 at 12:30 at Grace Lutheran Fellowship, Romeo with Visitation on May 21, 2021 from 4-8pm at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo Please make donations in Russell's memory to Grace Lutheran Fellowship.