Stanley D. Phillips

Stanley D. Phillips, 89, born on February 25, 1936, in Westborough, Massachusetts, passed away on January 10, 2026. He was the youngest of five children born to Merritt and Helen (Lowe) Phillips. Stanley was predeceased by his sisters, Harriet and Virginia, and his brothers, Wayne and Norman.

Stanley attended Worcester Boys Trade, where he studied machining, followed by an apprenticeship at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut. He spent many years working at Liberty Tool in Marlborough before realizing his dream of business ownership. Along with his partner, Ralph O’Coin, he co-founded Phil-Coin Machine, Inc. in Hudson, Massachusetts. The two partners operated this well-respected machine shop together for nearly 35 years, earning a reputation for quality craftsmanship and reliability.

A true craftsman throughout his life, Stanley remained busy in retirement, dedicating his time to woodworking and carving—pursuits that reflected his skill and pride in working with his hands. Stanley was extremely generous and he never hesitated to volunteer his God given talents making repairs and spending long days on building and landscape projects. Some of his most creative work showed up in carvings, detailed toy boxes and rocking horses for his grandchildren. Many such projects were donated to The Shriners, Children’s Hospital, and other deserving causes.

Stanley proudly served in the Army National Guard as a tank commander, a role that exemplified his sense of duty and commitment.

One of Stanley’s greatest passions was horses. At Crystal Vista Farms, located on the family property in Hudson, he and his former wife, Virginia (Gypsy) Phillips trained and showed horses throughout New England. Through their dedication and encouragement, sons Michael and Steven achieved champion and reserve champion honors for several years in multiple horsemanship categories.

In the late 1970s, Stanley joined several motorhome clubs and spent many years traveling the eastern seaboard with his family, creating lifelong friendships. During these years, he converted a 1952 Flexible bus into a motorhome that is still on the road today. His joy of RV’ing continued long into his retirement years as he travelled the country for weeks at a time.

Stanley is survived by his three sons: Michael Phillips of Quito, Ecuador; Steven Phillips and his wife Catherine of Boylston, Massachusetts; and Mark Phillips and his wife Tammy of Hubbardston, Massachusetts and several grandchildren, Casey (Phillips) Wheeler, Gina Phillips-Bradshaw, Steven Phillips, Jr., Alec and Olivia Phillips and great granddaughter Kiley Wheeler.

His funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, January 16, in the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Westborough.

Calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 15, in the funeral home.

The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) gives a clear picture of God’s desire for us to help those in desperate need wherever we find them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stan’s memory to SamaritansPurse.org which will be designated for United States Disaster Relief efforts.