After graduation Phil returned to New York City and began his business career by advising client hotels and promoting tourism for the governments of Bermuda and the territory of Hawaii. In 1972 he moved to Washington, Conn., where he later owned a timber and Christmas-tree farm and became involved in various charitable organizations in the Northwest corner of Connecticut dealing with such issues as affordable housing and computer literacy for seniors. 

Phil died Dec. 29, 2021, in Washington, Conn. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Taylor Payson; three children; and five grandchildren.