Phil Morgan Phillips

Phil Morgan Phillips, 83, of Riverview, Florida, passed away peacefully listening to his favorite music!

Born in North Carolina and a lifelong Floridian from the age 3. He loved the “Salt Life”!

Phil graduated in Sarasota and joined the Army. He worked at Florida Steel (Gerdau Steel) as a Structural Steel Designer on local and global projects for 36 years, while earning his degree.

He met the love of his life in Tampa at the Island’s Club, Generosa and married her as soon as would say “yes”! They were married for 57 years and raised 2 sons together.

Phil was a hardworking man supporting his family and raised them working out, camping, hunting, boating, and fishing! He found his ultimate joy in Little Gasparilla Island living there part time for over 30 years. He loved the water, fishing, boating and at the end of the day found his happy place siting on the porch, as the sun went down with a cigar and a Martini. His favorite thing was a good old fashioned fish fry with family and friends! The fishing partner of his choice was his wife Jeanie! They spent endless days finding happiness fishing in the Boca Grande Pass and all around Little Gasparilla Island!

Survived by his wife Generosa (Jeanie), sons Sean and Willie, (daughter in law Sylvia- who he called his daughter), grandchildren Josefina (Josie-JR), Morgan (his namesake), William II, (Willie- Porkchop), Lucia (Lucy). Phil enjoyed his fishing nicknames for his grandchildren.   Phil also had extended family as well as cherished friends, fishing buddies, and neighbors. He maintained life long friendships with his workout friends from Harry Smiths gym!

A celebration of life will be held at Ricks on the River in Tampa on Sunday March 1st, between 1-5 pm.

Feel free to bring fishing tales, jokes, and fun stories as we celebrate.

“The best catch of my life wasn’t a fish- it was finding someone who loves fishing as much as I do”