Michael Allen Phillips

Michael Allen Phillips, 77, passed away in Rockford, Illinois on June 29, 2022. Born in Dekalb, Illinois on December 10, 1944, son to Elmo and Charlotte (Didier) Phillips. Growing up as a teenager Michael worked at his family’s business, Didier Greenhouses before graduating from Auburn High School in 1963. He joined the U.S. Navy until 1965. Upon returning, he started his career in the tool and die industry specializing in building plastic injection molds. He started his career at Amerock and worked with other local companies until his retirement in April of 2010. Michael was a hard worker, but his priority was his family. He married Sandra Elaine Nelson in 1964 and they had three children before deciding to part ways. His favorite time was spent with his children and later more so with his grandchildren doing things like going to the zoo every summer, taking them to the movies or proudly showing his support at all sporting events. Favorite memories for the grandchildren include going to local events or simply going to the park to spend time together. Michael was an avid Packer’s fan, had a special type of humor, always made friends out of strangers, and will be missed by all who knew him.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his children Lisa (Henry Wolfe) Phillips, M. David Phillips, and Christopher Phillips; his beloved grandchildren Jordan and Jacob Phillips, Michael Youngs, Allison (Matthew Sciame) and Emily Phillips, and Keather (Nicholas) Schiraldi; great grandchildren Decklyn and Laikyn Schiraldi; his brothers Mitchell, Martin “Allie”, Mark and Maurice Phillips, his nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, mother of their children Sandra Elaine, and daughter in law Beth Phillips.

A visitation will take place Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Funeral Mass will take place the following day, Wednesday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61109. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com