A Yankee fan in Red Socks land... What fun it is to wear Yankee gear in Braintree Massachusetts. Here's Jack with his dear friend John Palmeri.

When Dad retired, he and Mom bought a comfortable three bedroom condo in a place called Devon Woods. What a spot. He loved his new home and in no time at all, found a little "gang" of friends to hand out with...just like when he was a kid in the Bronx. 

Jack was a retail executive for 35 years, holding key senior positions for industry giants like Abraham & Straus, Cohoes, Jordan Marsh and Filenes Basement.

Visiting New York City on his weekly trips to the garment district was a highlight. Schmoozing with top industry leaders  and friends, making deals and spotting trends. Maybe lunch at a kosher dairy restaurant for blintzes and borscht. Then sharing the gratis rangers and Knicks tickets with his girls. He was in his element.

Retirement didn't slow him down. He created the Phillips Group, a private consulting firm for small business owners. He offered his advice and, inevitably, his friendship. It was a package deal.

Jack was the son of an immigrant mother born in Poland and first generation American father whose parents where born in Belarius. Jack played stickball on Decatar Avenue, a populated Jewish neighborhood off Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, NY. He grew up the first born son along with his younger his sister, Rochelle, who currently lives in Arizona with Jack's beloved neices, Mindi and Elizabeth, and his nephew, Danny.

Pearl Phillips, and her son, Jackie.

Macy's is to blame.

Jack was a manager. I worked in the cosmetic department. He asked me to model one of his department's Easter hats. At the close of day, he asked me to go out for a drink. From there we ended up in a Chinese restaurant, where else?

He order a double whisky and I ordered a Manhattan. The drink went to my head, and Jack thought, "Boy, this is going to be my lucky night!"

At least that's how he liked to tell it! So what really happened? He brought me home and said good night.

We dated, fell in love, got married and raised five wonderful daughters, who gave us thirteen beautiful grandchildren and one great-grandson. For 54 years, we lived life together.

Love you, Jack.

Elaine