Obituary of Stephen Alan Phillips

Stephen Alan Phillips, affectionately known as Pop, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024 from a six year battle with cancer, Born to Franklin Leroy Phillips (Hank) and Helen Elizabeth Phillips (Betty) on November 18, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his father’s Navy career took them many places, finally settling in Melbourne, FL in 1962.

Upon graduating from Melbourne High School, Stephen enrolled in the Marine Corps and defended the US in Vietnam, where he proudly served his country.  Stephen received his Bachelors of Science degree from University of Central Florida and, in his mid-40’s, returned to school to receive his MBA at University of San Francisco.  Owner of CFO4Hire, a consulting firm that guided troubled businesses, he got pleasure from assisting other business owners. Stephen retired in 2019. 

In 2007, Stephen married the love of his life, Mary E. Long, building a life filled with love, surrounded by family and friends. Together they shared a love for traveling and visited five continents, 49 countries and 45 US states. Some of that time was spent in an RV with their beloved dogs, Diamond and Toby.  In between their traveling, Stephen made time for golf, card games, board games and watching the Dolphins.  

Stephen is survived by his wife, Mary L. Phillips, a man he referred to as his son, Austin Loper (Brittany) and their children: Lennox, Lux and Laik of Lima, Ohio.  The children lovingly called him Pop and will miss him terribly.  He is also survived by two brothers, Michael (Beverly-Joyce) Phillips and Bret Phillips both of Melbourne.  Many nieces and nephews as well as friends will feel his absence.  In recent years, his sister-in-law Robin (Sean) Finegan has been a pinnacle in supporting Mary and Stephen.

A service conducted by Mr. Stuart Rowan (pastor that married Stephen and Mary) to honor Stephen’s amazing life will be held at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 South Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, FL on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

The Memorial service will be live streamed on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM. You can download the livestream after the service is complete for 90 days. The link for the live stream is https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2523995567 

Immediately following the service there will be a reception at their home.

Stephen Phillips will be remembered as a loving, kind, giving, and adventurous husband, father, Pop, brother, brother-law, uncle and an amazing friend. He brought warmth, wisdom, happiness and joy to everyone he knew and will be greatly and deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The family requests that donations be made in Stephen’s name to: Vitas Hospice Inpatient Unit (IPU) 5425 S. US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955 or vitascommunityconnection.org