He prepared for Princeton at Kingswood (Conn.) Academy, majored in civil engineering, and was a member of Terrace Club.
In 1956 he earned a master’s degree in civil engineering at Rutgers University, and he became a licensed professional engineer in 1962. As president of Topper & Griggs he designed and fabricated the steel for many buildings in the Canton, Conn., area, including the Stilts Building, a Hartford landmark. He was active in the American Society of Civil Engineers, where he led a group focused on enhancing earthquake standards.
He was a dedicated member of the Canton Lions Club, a deacon in the church, and a volunteer for numerous other organizations. A longtime firefighter with the North Canton Volunteer Fire Association, he produced its “Little Red Phone Book” — a fundraiser for the Fire Association and later for the Lions. A passionate skier and lifetime member of the National Ski Patrol, he patrolled at Canton Ski Hill and Ski Sundown for more than 60 years. His legacy as a ski and toboggan instructor continues through the generations he mentored.
Phil was predeceased by his wife, Cynthia, in 2014. He is survived by his children, Alisa, Carolyn, Edward, and Andrew; nine grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.