Wally died Feb. 7, 2015, of complications following open-heart surgery in his native Philadelphia.
The son of Walter Phillips ’35, he was born in Philadelphia and came to us from Phillips Andover Academy. At Princeton he was an economics major, ate at Tiger Inn, and was a star pitcher on the varsity baseball team. His senior-year roommates were Barry van Gerbig, Tim McAuliffe, Page Chapman, Jim Wadsworth, Terry Maloney, and Henry Cook.
After graduation Wally signed a contract with the then-Houston Colt .45s, but shoulder injuries ended his baseball career. He earned a law degree and entered into private practice and public service in Philadelphia, following in the family tradition. His Philadelphia Inquirer obituary was headlined “Prosecutor of Corruption,” which hardly describes his distinguished career as a city, state, and federal prosecutor whose zeal, integrity, and track record were widely admired. He also served in the U.S. attorney’s office of the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted major narcotics cases (succeeded there by Rudy Giuliani). A dedicated lifelong athlete, Wally was a marathoner, nationally ranked tennis player, and mountain climber.
He is survived by Valerie, his wife of 43 years; son Graham and daughter Serena Sterling; and three grandchildren. We join them in mourning this stalwart Princetonian.