Donald "Jerry" Phillips - Obituary

onald “Jerry” Phillips, 85, a lifetime resident of Maryland, passed away on September 28, 2026. Jerry was born on August 12,1941 in Dora, Alabama to the late Eldoree Defore and Jefferson Van Phillips. He attended Bladensburg High School and enlisted in the Navy after graduation. He served in the Navy from 1960-1964 and was proud of the discipline and purpose he found during those years. After his service he built a career as an HVAC technician. He owned and operated several businesses. As operations director at Arundel Mills, he retired in 2009. He is survived by his beloved wife Meg, of 48 years, as well as his children Katelyn (Chris), Kimberly (Rodney) and Kelly (Keith). He was also blessed to have 7 grandchildren, Sean, Luke, Hunter, Brooke, Kendall, Hayley and Trevor as well as 9 nieces and nephews and multiple great nieces and nephews. Jerry and Meg shared a loving bond based on their strong faith, commitment and enduring love. They spent many years travelling throughout the United States, camping in their motorhome, visiting family and friends. Jerry is survived by his brother Wayne (Patricia) and preceded in death by his brother Michael (Janice) and sister Maryanne (Joseph). Jerry and Meg have been parishioners at Our Lady of Sorrows R.C. Church in West River Maryland since 1980. They have served as Eucharistic Ministers and Parish Council members. Jerry had a strong desire to help others in the community. In this capacity he served as director of the board at Opportunity Builders, a nonprofit organization to support youth and adults with disabilities. In addition, he served as an advocate in the CASA Program where he worked to protect the best interests of children in the foster care system. Jerry’s memory will live on through his family, whose lives have been enriched by his unwavering love and support. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jerry’s life on Friday, October 2, from 4 to 8 PM at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road Edgewater, MD 21037. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, October 3 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 101 Owensville Road West River, MD 20778. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.