Mark J. Phillips

Mark J. Phillips, age 78 , of Sackets Harbor, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

He was born on September 22, 1947, in Watertown, New York, the son of George H. and Carolyn (Dempter) Phillips.

Mark graduated from Sackets Harbor High School in 1965, then earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Jefferson Community College in 1967. He continued his education at Kansas State Teachers College, graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Mark was a longtime parishioner at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sackets Harbor, where he married the love of his life Gwendolyn S. Wells on December 19, 1970. Throughout his life, Mark served the church in numerous capacities including altar server, lector, and eucharistic minister. Mark and Gwen made their home and raised their family in his hometown of Sackets Harbor. 

In the fall of 1969, Mark began his teaching career as a math teacher at Thousand Islands Central School. After 33 years of teaching math, Mark retired from Thousand Islands in 2002. Mark was a beloved teacher, and was awarded teacher of the year for the 2001-2002 school year.Mark also devoted many summers to teaching driver’s education to numerous high school students at Sackets Harbor and Watertown. After retiring, Mark went on to become an adjunct professor in math at Jefferson Community College for 15 years. 

Mark was an avid runner. He was instrumental in forming the Sackets Harbor Running Club. For over 35 years, Mark covered all running distances from 5k’s to relay races to a full marathon! He competed in hundreds of races. Mark’s favorite race was the “Reach the Beach” relay in New Hampshire and his favorite distance to run was the 10k. Mark also ran the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, Pennsylvania. When competing, Mark brought home countless awards in his age group.

For more than 50 years, Mark was a respected referee for soccer and an umpire for baseball in the Frontier League, continuing until the fall of 2024. In 2025, He was awarded the Bob Kowalick Meritorious Service Award for significant contributions to the Frontier League.

Mark had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, and spending summers on his boat on Lake Ontario. Mark also had a love for vacationing and spent countless hours planning family vacations. Some of his favorite times were spent watching his children and grandchildren enjoy themselves at Disney World, Costa Rica, and other tropical paradises.

Mark had a love for Christmas, which led to him playing the part of Santa. He provided laughter and shared the Christmas spirit with all who knew him. Mark loved giving meaningful gifts at Christmas. He made countless gifts for people ranging from decorative ceramic pieces to wooden furniture for your home. Mark’s handiwork can be found in many homes, as his tradition of making and giving gifts became something that all looked forward to. 

In 2002, Mark and a group of friends decided to purchase part of a racehorse named Funny Cide. Funny Cide went on to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2003, making history and putting Mark’s hometown of Sackets Harbor in the spotlight.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Gwendolyn W. Phillips; their three children and spouses: Tamara L. and Timothy Fleming of Sanborn, NY; Karen L. and Matthew L’Huillier of Sackets Harbor, NY; and Kimberly A. and Michael Manioci of Rochester, NY; five grandchildren: Tyler (Amy) Fleming, Tara Fleming, Connor, Audrey, and Owen L’Huillier; and two great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Sadie Fleming.

He is also survived by his brother, Peter (Bonita) Philips of Sackets Harbor, NY; sisters-in-law Pam Phillips, of Camas, Washington and Sally Davidson, of Hammond, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Mark was predeceased by his sister, Mary Diane, and two brothers, Paul and James Philliips.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, March 1 from 1-4pm at Johnson Funeral Home in Dexter. 

A Funeral Mass will be said 11 am on Monday, March 2 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sackets Harbor.  The Rosary will be said prior to the mass at 10:30 am  

A Spring burial will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Sackets Harbor. 

In lieu of flowers donations in Mark’s memory may be made to the Sackets Harbor Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

Online condolences may be shared www.dexterfuneralhome.com.

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