Jeffrey Alan Phillips

Beloved husband, father, poppy, friend, teacher and all-around great guy, Jeffrey Alan Phillips, passed away Sept. 3, 2019. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Born in Danville, Jeff graduated from Bloomsburg University, where he received his B.A. and M.A. degrees. He taught countless children to read, learn and grow as a reading specialist and second-grade teacher for 33 years. Most of that time was mostly spent at Burnham Elementary and Highland Park Area Elementary. He and his wife, Donna Jean (Wint) Phillips, married in 1974 and spent a wonderful and loving, albeit far too short, life together, finally settling down in Belltown in their forest oasis full of laughter, joy, and love. Together, they raised two children who were their world, and with whom they were incredibly happy and proud.

Jeff enjoyed listening to music, talking about Penn State football and helping others. His greatest successes were in the lives he made better just by being a part of them. He lived and taught the “Golden Rule” throughout his entire life. Jeff was an amazing teacher, a great friend and a loving partner, father, and poppy who always made time to help those in need. In retirement, he took immense joy in traveling to Indiana and Michigan to see his daughter, son, their spouses and his three grandchildren.

In body, but not in spirit, memory, or love, Jeff leaves behind his beloved wife and partner, Donna; his sister, Connie Jorgensen and her husband, Mark; his daughter, Alysia Diffendal and her husband, Mike; his son, Benjamin Phillips and his wife, Amy Phillips; his three (soon-to-be-four) grandchildren, Talia, 10, Emerson, 2, Austin, 2, and Grayson, 0; nine adored nieces and one nephew; and a countless number of students, loved ones and friends.

This world is a sadder place for having lost a great man, but a better place for having had the opportunity to have him in it.

A receiving of friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jeffrey’s memory may be left by visiting www.thesmallestgift.org

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