Michael C. Phillips (83), Winter Park, FL., went home to be with his Heavenly Father, Saturday, August 20th, 2022.
Mike passed peacefully surrounded by loving family members and professional care providers.
Mike was predeceased by his beloved wife, Diane Phillips, of 34 years (2021) and his parents.
Born 9 January 1939, Mike was the son of Helen and Michael Phillips. Mike grew up in Bronx, New York where he attended St. Helena’s High School (Class of 1956). Mike studied at Batchelor of Arts, MGT at Saint Leo University (Class of 1979) and Systems Management at University of Southern California (Class of 1983).
Mike is survived by his sons; Kevin Phillips, Michael Phillips (Lori) OH, Mathew Phillips (April) CA, John Phillips CA, his devoted daughter, Michelle Cornell (Ron) NY, grandchildren; Michael Phillips Jr., USN, ET1, E6 (Skylarr) CA, Clay & Christopher Phillips, OH, Elizabeth, Grant & Kyle Phillips, CA, Brothers-in-Law; James Fitzpatrick (Joyce) NY, Sean Fitzpatrick FL, 3 nephews, Daniel Fitzpatrick (Sara) NY, Shane Fitzpatrick and Seth Fitzpatrick FL; his Goddaughter Lisa (Tim) FL, his N.Y. Giant compadre/cousin, Ed (Lynn), many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends and MS&T compatriots.
Mike joined the U.S. Navy in1957 and attended Boot Camp at NTC Bainbridge, MD. Mike served 24 years that included Airman Preparatory School at NATTC, Norman, OK, TRADEVMAN “A” School at NATTC, Memphis TN. After which he reported to AEW Training Unit, Atlantic, NAS Patuxent River, MD where he performed instructor and maintenance duties on the WV-2M, Super Connie, Flight and Tactics Training Systems.
Mike completed TD “B” School and reported to USS Little Rock CLG-4 in charge of the Talos Missile Systems Simulator, Device 19A1 that simulated all the air and surface search radar and IFF systems and the Talos Fire Control Radar System AN/SPG-49. Upon separation from USS Little Rock, Mike reported to VAW-12 at NAS Norfolk, VA. During this tour Mike qualified as aircrewman (Radar Operator) on the E-1B (WF-2) Carrier Air Early Warning aircraft. His primary job at VAW-12 was ensuring that the E-1B Tactics Trainer, Device 2-D1 was operationally ready for training of AEW Radar Operators/Officers.
In 1966 he was assigned to the TD team that would introduce the A-7A Weapon Systems Training System, Device 2F84 into the A-4 to A-7A Conversion Pipeline Navy Attack community at NAS Cecil Field FL. This was the first Naval Aviation Training System that was completely run by digital computers. After being promoted to Chief Petty Officer in July 1969, Mike assigned as the CPO-In Charge of the A-4 Sky Hawk Simulators at Cecil Field. During this assignment Mike worked with FMS in the transfer of the A-4 aircraft to allied nations such as Israel and New Zealand. Following was assignment as CPOINC of the F-4 Phantom Training Systems FASO TRA GRULANT Det Key West at NAS Boca Chica, Key West, FL and subsequently FASO TRA GRULANT Det Oceana, NAS Oceana. In 1973 Mike was selected to participate in the Navy’s Associate Degree Completion Program (ADCOP) and was graduated from Tidewater Community College in 1975 with Associate in Science (AS) degrees in Business Management and Secondary Education. He reported to FASOTRAGRULANT, HQ, Norfolk, VA where he was assigned as the Group Training Systems Maintenance Officer/Manager. In this position Mike was responsible for the readiness of more than 40 major training systems assigned to FASOTRAGRULANT at 8-10 training sites on the East Coast. He also was a member of the Fleet Project Team for E-2C and SH-2F Training Systems. It was during this period that Mike acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from St. Leo University.
Upon completion of his U.S. Naval service Mike began his career in Modeling, Simulation, & Training at Link/Singer/CAE/Hughes Training/Raytheon, where he was an Engineering Manager across multiple company mergers and reorganizations. Mike transitioned to part-time with American Systems in New Business Development in 2001; and later moved to Strategic Consultant, the role in which he attempted retirement from beginning in 2010. It took 3 tries to finally get “retirement” right.
Continuing his training as a systems Engineering; the number 1 priority on his Retirement List of Things To-Do was to initiate, coordinate, and bring to fruition the Lone Sailor Navy Memorial located in Baldwin Park, 2501 General Rees Ave., Orlando FL., formally the location of the Naval Training Center of Orlando for over three decades. Bringing the Lone Sailor© to Orlando to celebrate the legacy of the Naval Training Center (NTC) was a dream come true. As LSNM Chairman Emeritus, Mike continued to work with Andy Mohler, immediate past LSNM Chairman, and Brian Warner, LSNM Chairman to ensure that generations to come will have the opportunity to know and appreciate the dedication of the service men and women who served in the U.S. Navy voluntarily putting their lives at risk to protect freedom and provide national security.
Mike after traveling the world during his Naval career, remained an avid traveler with the love of his life and family and friends. Mike relished his Irish heritage, a multitude of sporting events, his beloved NY Giants football team, Wednesday night wings with the guys, Fox News channel, and his end of day bowl of ice cream.
Mike was a great man, father, Patriarch, mentor, treasured friend and loved one, and above all a Patriot who loved God, his family, and this great nation. He will be sorely missed.
Viewing will be held August 30th at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (ET). At DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory. 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
Funeral Mass will be August 31st at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ET). At St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. 526 North Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Burial will be August 31st 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (ET). At Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. 5525 US-1 North, Mims, FL 32754