William (“Bill”) George Edward Phillipson, 84, a longtime resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021. Bill was born on February 6, 1937 in Liverpool, England, son of the late George Francis and Nellie Robertson Phillipson.
At the age of 16, Bill joined the Merchant Marine, working for the Cunard Cruise Line as a valet and waiter, and traveling the world playing soccer for the ship’s team. Bill visited every continent, writing a letter from every port to Shirley, the love of his life. Bill and Shirley married in Liverpool in 1959. In 1963, Bill, Shirley, and their son Dale immigrated to the U.S., settling in the Bronx, NY. During this time, Bill worked at Tavern on the Green and Dawson’s English Pub, well known eateries in NYC. After the birth of their children Kim, Gregg and Marc, the family moved to CT, living in Greenwich, Norwalk, and Stamford. Bill worked at LeShack restaurant in Cos Cob, Greenwich for 13 years, and at Giovanni’s II in Darien for 23 years, where he retired at the age of 76. Bill was a staple of his Cove neighborhood, where he could be seen soaking up the sun in a chair in his front yard and walking his dogs through the neighborhood. One of Bill’s greatest pleasures was watching his grandsons’ baseball and hockey games. Bill was a lifelong Liverpool FC fan, rarely missing a match. Bill had a warm, welcoming personality and always had a smile on his face.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife Shirley, son Dale and wife Ann of Bedfordshire, England, daughter Kim of Monroe, son Gregg and wife Vicki of Stamford, and son Marc of Stamford. William is also survived by his sister Carmen Hall of Liverpool, England, nephews Philip and Andrew, and his cherished grandchildren Katie (Chris), Emma (Dave), Zachary (Alie), Tyler, and Alexander William along with great-grandchildren Theo, Ellis, Robyn and Phoebe.
A funeral service will be privately held.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Red Leash Rescue.
