David Michael Phillips, age 83, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at Halifax Health in Port Orange, Florida.

David was born on September 23, 1942, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He was the son of David Arlington Phillips and Julia Kasenchak. His father, David Arlington Phillips, was killed during World War II at the Battle of St. Lô in France and is buried in Normandy, honored among those who gave their lives on D-Day. As a child affected by the war, David attended Girard College, a boarding school in Philadelphia for children who had lost parents in military service.

Following his graduation, David enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served from 1961 to 1964. After completing his military service, he attended Wilkes College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and later received a degree in counseling from C.W. Post College.

David devoted nearly three decades of his professional life to education, starting at Bay Shore High School in 1968, where he served as a high school teacher and later as a guidance counselor. He was deeply committed to his students and took great pride in helping guide young people toward their futures.

In 1969, David married Elizabeth “Betsy” Aquilina, and together they had two daughters, Christa and Julanne. Their marriage was cut tragically short by her death from breast cancer in 1978. During the years that followed, David embraced the role of a devoted single father, often fondly describing himself as “Mr. Mom.” He later married Karlyn Phillips, with whom he shared many happy years. David liked to tell everyone that he had the distinction of being married to two high school valedictorians. Karlyn passed away in 2019 after a courageous battle with leukemia. David always said he was blessed to have known the love of two magnificent women.

David retired in 1997 and settled in Ponce Inlet, Florida, where he lived at The Towers. Retirement suited him well. He filled his days cooking, golfing, walking the beach, swimming, traveling the world, and working crossword puzzles. A true lover of music, David especially enjoyed concerts and could often be found dancing whenever the opportunity arose, especially next door to his condo at the "North Turn". He was an enthusiastic fan of sports, history, and watching Jeopardy and Seinfeld.

Above all, David treasured spending time with his grandchildren, taking great joy in their lives and accomplishments. He loved being with family and adored his sisters, his cousins, his Aquilina family, and all of his nieces and nephews. For years he organized a family reunion every summer with all the members of his extended family and it was the happiest times for him.

David is survived by his daughter, Christa Ritter and her husband Jesse Ritter, and their three sons, David (25), Aidan (23), and Jared Ritter (20), along with David’s wife, Elissa Ritter; and by his daughter, Dr. Julanne Phillips, and her son, Patrick (14). He is also survived by the many friends and extended family whose lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and wisdom.

David Michael Phillips will be remembered as a dedicated educator, a proud veteran, a loving father and grandfather, and a man who embraced life with curiosity, resilience, gratitude, and joy.

Funeral will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 12 p.m. at the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 West Main Street, Plymouth. Private interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

Family and friends may call on Saturday from 11 a.m. until funeral time at the funeral home.