ATHOL, MA – Michael D. “Mike” Phillips, 79, of Lee Street and formerly of Orange, died on Sunday evening, January 4, 2026 at the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care in Worcester.
Born in Springfield, Vermont on September 20, 1946, he was the son of Raymond and Patricia (Parker) Phillips and grew up in Harrisville, NH, coming from Proctorsville, VT at age 2. He graduated from Marlboro High School in 1965.
Following high school, Mike enlisted in the United States Army in 1965, serving in Schwabish Gmund before his honorable discharge in 1969.
Mike moved to Athol, Massachusetts in the early 1970’s and was married to Georgia (Bowers) for 29 years.
Mike was employed at the L. S. Starrett Company in Athol for 30 years. He had also owned Mike’s Gun Shop and built many picnic tables over 50 years.
An avid, professional photographer, Mike’s work covered a wide spectrum from weddings, school sports and fires to nature and newspaper photos. He had many of his photographs published in newspapers, as well as “Firehouse” magazine. He served as the Athol Fire Dept. photographer for years, along with taking photos of fires and accidents in surrounding towns.
Mike had been a volunteer firefighter for both the Harrisville (NH) Fire Department and the Athol (MA) Fire Department.
Photography was a huge part of Mike’s life, however, he did also enjoy fishing and boating and spent hours at the Quabbin Reservoir. He attended Keene State College games.
Mike is survived by his children, Carrie Collins (Ken) of Athol, Ann Emery (Bruce) of Athol, and Wayne Phillips of Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, Brian Emery of Massachusetts, Kyle Emery of Athol, Hannah Morton of Athol and Daniel Finn of Tennessee. Mike also leaves behind a brother, David Phillips (Janet) of Dublin, NH; a sister, Julie Lord (Alan) of Harrisville, NH; and several nephews and nieces.
Besides his parents, Mike was predeceased by a son, David Phillips, in 2020, and a son in law, Robert Morton, in 2015.
Calling hours will be held on January 23, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange. Casual clothing encouraged as Mike was stubborn about what he wanted!
A brief service will be held at 3:45 p.m. before calling hours end in the funeral home.
Interment will take place in the spring in Harrisville, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Community Church of Harrisville and Chesham, 13 Canal Street, Harrisville, NH 03450.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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