Herbert Philbrick Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On January 23rd, 2020 Max Herbert Philbrick, age 102 died peacefully with his daughter Joan holding his hand. Herb spent most of his childhood in Hartford with his three sisters and parents. There he met Claire, his wife of 72 years. After settling in Rocky Hill, CT, they raised their four children and were founding members of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. A member of "The Greatest Generation", Herb was a Veteran, patriot, man of his word, and a gentleman. He believed anything was possible if you gave it your best. Herb loved his family, and cultivated lifelong friendships, all the while making new friends wherever he went. He will be remembered for his attitude, willingness to lend a hand, and mostly his generousity. Herb enjoyed sharing WWII navy stories, big band music, working on cars, talking shop, a good meal, and a manhattan. He loved to swing dance and enjoyed a party. Herb was an inspiration, and was always encouraging. Herb served in the Navy during WWII as a Chief Machinist Mate on the battle damage repair ship, U.S.S. Oceanus. Among his many experiences of serving his Country, he witnessed the battle of Iwo Jima, including the now iconic raising of the American Flag on Mount Surabachi. Herb was a tool design supervisor at Pratt & Whitney until his retirement in 1984. During his retirement, he renovated the family vacation home on Cape Cod, and enjoyed countless fond memories with his extended family and friends. He was the son of the late Max and Pearl Philbrick, and was predeceased by his wife Claire Philbrick, his sisters, Barbara Pennington, Hortense Kelly, and Evelyn Philbrick. He leaves behind four children, Richard Philbrick of South Windsor CT (Joanne Philbrick) of Norwich CT, Robert Philbrick and his wife Elisabeth of Manhattan NY, John Philbrick and his wife Sharon of Old Saybrook CT, Joan Kennedy and her husband Guy of Underhill VT. Nine grandchildren, Gretchen, Ricky, Jennifer, Max, Kendall, Zack, Sam, Saige and Dylan. One Great Grandchild, Hayden. And many neices, nephews, great neices and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rocky Hill CT from 5-7pm. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 31, 2020 at The Church of St. Andrews the Apostle at 10:00am with burial service to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill CT. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the following: The Multiple Sclorosis Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Disease, and The Church of St. Andrews the Apostle, Rocky Hill CT. Please share online expressions of sympathy, memories, or photo tributes at Rosehillfuneralhomes.com

Herbert Philbrick

July 9, 1917 - January 23, 2020