Mark A. Phillips

March 8, 2026

Born in Philadelphia, he spent part of his childhood in Avalon, New Jersey where his family owned the restaurant the Rock n' Chair. Instead of tending bar, he liked to swipe littleneck clams from the walk-in to go fishing. A graduate of Bensalem High School, Mark enlisted in the U.S. Navy, becoming a submariner onboard the USS Inchon. Deploying from Norfolk in 1982 to become the flagship of the multinational force in Beirut, he served on the flagship of Amphibious Squadron 6 and Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 3-82, supporting the marine operations in Beirut.

After returning to civilian life in Bucks County, he was a 26 year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers out of Local 542, serving as a crane operator with Sautter Crane for 19 years. One of his favorite pastimes was to point out all the things he helped build as he drove his family around. 

But his favorite honor in life was to be husband, father, and Poppop to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Phillips and Barbara Lockard, and his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Denise Phillips. Left behind to cherish his memory are his children, Taylor Phillips (Patrick) and Justin Herling; his adored grandson Cooper Harman; his sister Dawn Davis (Ed); and many other family members and dear friends. 

Family and friends will be received at the James O. Bradley Funeral Home, 260 Bellevue Ave, Penndel, PA 19047 on Friday, March 27th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with military burial at 2:00 pm at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940. A celebration of life will follow.