Philip Bradford Burgess, 87, of Madison, Conn., died on June 26 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Conn.
He was born on Nov. 4, 1919 in Worcester, Mass., to the late Charles S. and Louise R. Burgess. He grew up in Grafton, Mass.
In 1944, he married Nancy Fox. He graduated from Lowell Technological Institute and attended the School of Industrial Management at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He became an instructor pilot with the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII. Following the war, he joined the Fibers Division of American Cyanamid Co., where he served in several technical management positions before becoming international sales manager, a post he held for 14 years.
Phil and his family relocated to Connecticut in 1957. In 1985, he and his wife retired to Chamberlain. They moved to Madison, Conn. in 1990, but cherished their summers at their camp in Waldoboro.
More than anything, Phil loved his family, taking pleasure in their pursuits and accomplishments. With them he shared his passion for science and nature, took long walks in the woods, and watched for shooting stars on summer nights.
As a boy, Phil and a friend built an underwater diving helmet and suit; he was a self-taught expert in anything mechanical and electronic. And he loved the sea and sailed for many years, experiencing the freedom he felt when flying.
He was predeceased by his siblings.
Besides his wife of Madison, Conn., he is survived by his children, Beth of Montpelier, Vt., Stephen and wife Tara of Bethel, Conn., and David and wife Stephanie of Hancock, Mass.; grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many friends.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.