Chris Philips Obituary, Death – Judson Christopher Philips, also known as our Chris, passed away on November 30 at the age of 80 in Charlestown, Rhode Island. He was born in Montclair, New Jersey, on November 15, 1942, and he spent his childhood there. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda, the three beautiful daughters he considered to be his own, Eve Haserot, Cally (Justin) Kayal, and Christine (Matthew) Kayal, his grandchildren Remy, Julian, Louis, Jack, and Tess, and his nephews Christopher (Traci) and Stephen (Michelle) Coughlin. He passed away on April 15, 2019. His first wife, Kerstin, who passed away in 1975, his sister Virginia, and his niece Pamela all passed away before Chris.
Chris had an early realization that a career in science was destined to be his. After receiving his doctorate in organic chemistry from Ohio State University in 1969, he went on to pursue post-doctoral studies the following year, in 1970. This eventually led to a teaching position at the University of Detroit, which lasted from 1969 until 1978. After that, Chris began working for Pfizer in the company’s Specialty Chemical/Food Science Group.
He worked on and directed a wide variety of initiatives, some of which included the creation of new microbial polysaccharides for oil recovery and the sweetener alitame. As a result of his work there and in subsequent firms, he was awarded many patents. After leaving Pfizer in 1996, he found that he appreciated the difficulties of founding new businesses, advising for new businesses, and working for new businesses. These new businesses ranged from initiatives in product anticounterfeiting, clinical diagnostics, and chemical process patent protection.
Chris was highly regarded for his leadership, and he took great pleasure in the companionship that he found at his place of employment. Chris has been very involved in the local community, and as a result, he has served on a number of different Boards, some of which include the Central Beach Fire District, the Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation, the Weekapaug Golf Club, and the YMCA. Chris has never been one to discount the significance of obtaining a solid education.
Chris was in his early 30s when he founded a chemistry scholarship in the 1970s to honor the memory of his first wife. The award is still in existence today. Over the course of more than 45 years, it has given out honors. Chris founded the Community 2000 Education Foundation 22 years ago as a response to recognizing a need for scholarship opportunities in the local community. He cared deeply about the mission of this charitable organization, which supports students attending high school in the Chariho region by awarding scholarships.