Fred G. Phillips

Fred G. Phillips, 85, of Dexter, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on September 11, 2025.

Born December 5, 1939, in Watertown, NY, he was the son of the late Carl and Charlotte (Converse) Phillips. Fred graduated from Watertown High School and later married Patricia Clark in Watertown. Patricia was a devoted homemaker until her passing in 2009.

Fred spent over 40 years in grocery store management, working for Acme and P&C. After retiring from the grocery business, he continued working for Reimann Wholesale and Kraft Foods. Most recently, he was still working part-time, a testament to his strong work ethic and dedication.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Fred also had a lifelong passion for cars. He was especially proud of his 2014 Corvette and was a longtime member of the Northern New York Corvette Club and the Watertown Street Rods. He enjoyed attending car shows, where he won numerous trophies and awards over the years. He also looked forward to his daily visits to McDonald’s, and in earlier years, he enjoyed bowling.

Fred is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Scott M. and Shannon Phillips of Dexter, NY; two daughters and a son in law, Tammy McCargar and her companion Thomas Van Brocklin of Adams, NY, and Lori and Stephen Bird of Phelps, NY. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Andrea Greene, Alicia and Dustin Losurdo, Ashley and Bryan Cody, Joshua McCargar, and Taylor Colburn and her significant other Ashley Chartrand, Meghan amd Jason Arkland and Jeffrey Pappa.. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Avery, Emerson, Cloee, Camden, Cason, Logan, and Layne and by many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia; his brother, Gordon Phillips; and his sister, Mary Lou Williams.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place. Burial will be held at Dexter Cemetery at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18th from Noon to 4 p.m. at Garland City Beer Works.  Please consider carpooling as parking may be limited.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department—Deputy Randall, Deputy O’Connor, and Sergeant Sterling—for their care and compassion during their time of loss.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, c/o Stacy Zimmerman, 204 Iroquois Ave. W, Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be shared at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.