David Phillips

David H. Phillips, age 92, of Wayne, PA, passed away on March 7, 2018 at The Quadrangle in Haverford, PA.  Born on October 10, 1925, in Cleveland Ohio, he was the eldest son of Russell and Margaret Phillips. David graduated from New Canaan High School (CT), an Eagle Scout with a dream of flying airplanes. He learned to fly when he served his country as a Navy pilot during World War II. After his military service, he attended Yale University where he graduated in 1948 with a degree in Industrial Administration and Engineering. In 1955, David married Gretchen Ackerman, of Devon, PA. She preceded him in death in January 2007.



David began his career at Smith Kline French Laboratories where he worked for a total of 22 years. He also worked for Frances Denny Cosmetics before starting his own consulting business. David continued with management consulting work into his seventies. Even after retirement, David kept busy volunteering at the Radnor Library and Baker Industries



David had many interests and hobbies. He had a keen mind for finances and the stock market, the merits of which he loved to debate.. He was a member of the Merion Cricket Club since 1949 where he regularly enjoyed playing tennis and squash. He enjoyed photography and, in addition to flying single engine planes, he was an avid skier, sailor and golfer. Whether it was skiing in Vermont, out West, sailing in the Caribbean - long before they were a popular tourist destinations - or golfing with friends or family, David always enjoyed being active and having an adventure!



He and Gretchen both loved to travel and enjoyed many trips together over the years, often in the company of longtime friends. Later in life, they took several trips to Great Britain.



A true Renaissance man of his generation, fond of a good pipe and Gin & Tonic or Maker's Mark depending on the season, David truly lived a full life. He will be fondly remembered for his ready smile and steady countenance and as many who knew him have remarked: "I always felt like I was the only person that existed when we spoke with all his attention and interest in me and what was new".



David is survived by a brother, Frederic Phillips of Roanoke, VA; his children Andrew C. (Linda) Phillips of York, PA, Eliza (Vince) Connolly of Robbinsville, NJ., Timothy H (Alicia) Phillips of Malvern, Pa.; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren.



A private memorial service is planned.