PHILLIPS, Benjamin Stevenson Benjamin Stevenson Phillips, 86, of Windsor, husband of the late Anna (Staum) Phillips, passed away Friday, (March 13, 2009). Ben was born in Manchester, son of the late Benjamin T. and Edith (Stevenson) Phillips. He graduated from Manchester High & Trade School Class of 1940. At the age of 14, he learned to play the bagpipes and was a member of the Manchester Pipe Band (1936-1946). For several years, he also was a member of the St. Patrick's Pipe Band of Glastonbury. Ben was a World War II veteran having served with the 12th Fighter Squadron of the 13th Army Air Corp in the Pacific as an A&E mechanic on the fabled P-38 "Lightening" fighter planes. He was awarded a silver and three bronze stars for participation in the following campaigns - Guadacanal, Northern Solomons, New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Luzon, Air Combat Borneo, and Western Pacific theater. In 1943, a unit citation was given to all members of 12th SQD after Col. Rex Barber, a pilot with the 12th SQD, intercepted and shot down the bomber carrying Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Admiral Yamamoto was Japan's mastermind of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. After World War II, Ben joined the 118th Fighter Squadron-103rd Connecticut Air National Guard "The Flying Yankees" as a crew chief on P-47 fighter aircraft. When the Korean Conflict broke out his outfit was federalized and was moved to Suffolk County Airport on Long Island as part of the Eastern Defense Command. Mr. Phillips retired from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft with 40 years of service as a tool maker/foreman with the Master Mechanic Group. After retirement, Ben enjoyed restoring his 1917 Model A Ford, puttering with his 1927 Buick, and attending antique car shows. He also continued to enjoy bagpipe music and attended numerous bagpipe gatherings throughout New England and Scotland. Ben's other interest included caring for his Airedale Terriers, Hector, Sandy, Shelby, Charlie, traveling, getting together with his Dept. 34 co-workers and growing tomatoes. Ben was a member of the International Association of Machinist- Lodge 1746, 118th Fighter Airwing Association, Flying Yankees 103rd Fighter Group/Wing - CTANG, Tobacco Valley Automobile Club and the Buick Car Club of America. He is survived by his devoted son, Joseph Phillips of Windsor; and daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Dr. Francis Stellaccio of Oyster Bay Township, NY; his cousin, William Lennon; his sisters-in-law, Ruth Staum, Ella Perkins and Alberta Groman; several nieces and nephews; his dear companion/travel partner, Hilda Tolve; as well as, many other special and cherished friends. Besides his wife of 54 years and parents, Ben was predeceased by his four siblings, Reynolds Phillips, Vivian Lavine, Vera Stewart and Kenneth Phillips. The family wishes to thank his wonderful extended family at the Suffield House for their kind and compassionate care and the dignity they always showed him during his multiple rehabilitative stays during the past five years at the facility. We will be forever grateful to the entire staff for all that they did for him. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester. Burial will follow in St. James' Cemetery, Manchester. Calling hours will be Monday, March 16 from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to : Canine Companions for Independence, Northeast Regional Center, 286 Middle Island Road, Medford, NY 11763. website: www.cli.org