Date of death: 12/5/2008

Saint Meinrad Class: C 1983

Reverend Stephen Francis Phillips, 52. Father Stephen was born on April 1, 1956 in Jacksonville, FL the son of Frederick H. and Grace Louise (nee McCormick) Phillips. He was educated at Saint Meinrad Seminary College, and St. Mary of the Lake, Chicago. He was ordained on August 29, 1987.Father Stephen was an Associate Pastor at Church of Our Saviour Parish, Cocoa Beach, FL, St. Joseph Parish, Winter Haven, FL, Divine Mercy Parish, Merritt Island, FL, Basilica of St. Paul, Daytona Beach, FL, and Blessed Trinity Parish, Ocala, FL. He was the Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Candler, FL and Christ the King Parish, Citra, FL before becoming the founding Pastor of the St. Faustina Parish, Clermont and was honored to be Pastor of the first parish named after St. Faustina in North America. He also previously served as a Chaplain for the U.S. Navy and was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. Prior to becoming a Priest, he worked at Walt Disney World at Space Mountain, Monorails and Watercraft. Father Stephen is survived by his father, Frederick of Live Oak, FL; sister, Mary Gilmore of Davenport, FL; nieces, Grace Louise Clautice of Melbourne, FL, Mary Josephine Cousins of Titusville, FL and Mary Lee Andrewskiewicz of Citra, FL. He is predeceased by his mother, Grace; sister, Sheila Grace; and niece, Angel Hope. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the St. Faustina Parish Building Fund.Published on www.floridatoday.com.