BOCA RATON — Larry Phillips, who became a driving philanthropic force in the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County community immediately upon moving to Boca Raton 22 years ago, died Sept. 11.
Retired from the Phillips-Van Heusen apparel company that was founded by his great-grandfather, Mr. Phillips, 88, died at his home in Delray Beach. He left an unparalleled legacy, according to the Federation. His compassion knew no bounds, as his generosity and leadership reached deep and wide.
While continually helping the members of the Federation, Mr. Phillips was dedicated to building a financially secure future for the community. A top Federation donor, he was an inaugural member of the Ketubah Society that recognizes those with Annual Campaign gifts of $1 million or higher.
Mr. Phillips served on the Federation Executive Board, becoming a director emeritus, on the Jewish Community Foundation Board, where he was named an honorary trustee, and on the JCC board. He spearheaded a successful effort to “burn the mortgage” of the Federation’s Siemens Campus, and named the Larry and Roxane Phillips Gymnasium at the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center.
Mr. Phillips helped the community hands-on. He founded the Annual Thanksgiving Banquet for residents unable to afford or prepare a festive meal. For years, he bustled among the tables, avidly greeting and serving guests and encouraging up to a hundred volunteers. He saw the dinner grow to the feast for 625 that it is today.
Quickly becoming a warm, inspiring and enduring presence at Federation events, Mr. Phillips was also instrumental behind the scenes. He worked the phones as well as the room at Super Sundays. His move to St. Andrews Country Club has been heralded as a key to its development as a pivotal community of Federation support. Soon, he had joined the JCC Board, and Federation’s Campaign Management Team, as well as committees for Major Gifts Events and Shomrim Galas, one of which he co-chaired and underwrote.
He also helped establish the Jewish Women’s Foundation. Mr. Phillips also made a considerable gift to Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) for the new Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center. Mr. Phillips was committed to sustaining Jewish life among the younger generations. His support of Birthright served as a beacon to others.
A Federation mission to Cuba inspired him to get involved with the system’s overseas efforts. Mr. Phillips’ gift sustained an orphanage in the former Soviet Union, and he served on the Federation’s Israel and Overseas Committee for 10 years. Mr. Phillips’ contributions earned him the Federation’s Jim Nobil Community Leadership Award.
Mr. Phillips is survived by his sister, Carol; his children, Laura and David (Sarah); and his grandchildren, Maya, Tara, Sasha and Joey.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Obituary submitted by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County
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