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Obituary For Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr.
Thaddeus Hilliard Phillips, Jr. was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the second child of Thaddeus and Mary Alice (Braxton) Phillips. He joined sister Juanita on that hot day on the third floor of a Strauss Street duplex; “I was big, and that was the end of me being big.” A self-described “Mamma’s Boy”, he was affectionately known by his family as “Brother”, a way to teach his sister how to talk.
He had many stories of his growing up days on the North Side- including playing marbles, attending summer camp at Camp Weldon Johnson with his good friend, Derek Bell, and building model airplanes. His sister was a great and present influence in his life, and he credits her with much of his survival on the city streets as well as his many successes in life. Studious and “fairly spoiled” as a young man, he was active in his church and school athletics. He played clarinet and piano and was especially proud of being asked to march in the American Legion Parade, a rarity for a young Black person in those days.
He attended Lincoln University (PA) on scholarship, where he became a member of his beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc, Nu Chapter. He proudly crossed the “burning sands” on April 24, 1952 with Jeff Jones and James Preston. Between semesters, he could be found on his grandfather, John Richard’s farm in North Carolina and spent one eventful summer in New York City with his Uncle Peter. Uncle Peter was a barber at the infamous Hotel Theresa where he met many celebrities of the day including Moms Mabley. He recalled seeing many of the great musicians - James Brown, Cab Calloway, Horace Silver, Count Basie- in Harlem and then on U Street in Washington, D.C. where he attended Howard University School of Dentistry (1955-59). It was there at a dance, he met the love of his life, Mary Marjorie (Margie) Pettiford, a nursing student at Freedmans. He noted she was a “good dancer” and could do the “jitter bug” and before he called her, he had it “all scripted.” He wrote down his questions and her potential answers. He succeeded and they celebrated 70 years of marriage in June, 2026. Together, they raised five daughters and one son; Tawnya, Toni, Tracy, Terri, Thad III and Tricia. His children have fond memories of falling asleep to the music he played on piano each evening after work.
After graduation and a brief dental practice in McKeesport, PA, he joined the U.S. Army Dental Corps serving as Battalion Surgeon at the Demilitarized Zone during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and relocated from Ft. Meade, Maryland to Harrisburg in 1965 where he joined the busy practice of Dr. Joseph Moran on 3rd Street. After Dr. Moran’s death, he purchased 1516 North 2nd Street and faithfully served the community of Harrisburg, until his retirement in 2015. Though he loved dentistry, his greatest loves were his wife, his family and his home on Jordan Drive. He had a special knack for identifying the traits in each of us and assigning names that stuck forever: Red Girl/Putter (Mom), Charles (as in King, Tawnya), Momma Toni (Toni), Bird (Tracy), Boonker (Terri), FadtheFird (Thad III) and Tutty-Putt (Tricia). Collectively his children were “The Woompers” and he reveled in making us laugh when he would come home from the office and stack us in a pile on the living room floor- from biggest to smallest. He loved to sing and was a treasured bass voice in the Capital Presbyterian Church choir. Car trips to North Carolina were so much fun because he led all of the children in harmonized songs in rounds- Jimmy Crack Corn, Bill Grogan’s Goat, and BINGO. Ask any of his children or grandchildren about the annual birthday singing of “Rinchie Pan Poor,” sung in his inimitable and deepest bass voice for maximal effect. Even meal time prayers were sung in three part harmony. An avid sports fan, he loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and was an early fan of the Boston Celtics, the first NBA team to integrate its roster. After his children insisted he retire, he took great joy in “watching the show” as his many grandchildren and great grandchildren visited the family home on Jordan Drive. He was proud of their accomplishments and “bargained with the Lord” for time to watch them achieve their many successes. When asked what advice he would give his teenage self, his reply was “I would not worry about the future. I did not expect to be here. I didn’t know I would make it this far”.
He was a former member of the Boule and Club 21, Harrisburg.
What a blessing his life was to so many! His absence leaves an unfillable hole in our hearts. But we know, as a man of unshakeable faith, he is resting in the arms of the Lord he loved.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Aaron Julian Wates and Aliyah Karmel Phillips.
He leaves to celebrate his life, his beloved wife Marge; sister, Juanita Green (CA); children, Tawnya (Luther), Toni (Barnabus), Tracy, Terri (James), Thad (Angela) and Tricia (Owen); 22 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Leonard (Belva) and Tony Pettiford; bonus son, Steve Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, innumerable children of his heart and the community of Hodges Heights.
We will remember his dedicated and tireless service to the dental healthcare of the citizens of Harrisburg, his quick wit and intellect, his voice and songs and the love he demonstrated by his actions and deeds.
“Well done, good and faithful servant” - Matthew 25:23
Forever loved, cherished, adored.
His life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 in the Sanctuary of Living Water Community Church, 206 Oakleigh Avenue, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
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Tammy Feild sent Ocean Devotion for Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. - July 15, 2026
Beata Pragji sent Beautiful Dreams for Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. - July 14, 2026
Juanita Phillips Green Family planted 5 trees in memory of Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. . - July 14, 2026
Jasmine Coles sent Beautiful Dreams for Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. - July 14, 2026
Stephen Green sent Ocean Devotion for Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. - July 13, 2026
Patrick Dawkins sent Serene Lily Basket for Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. - July 13, 2026
Mary A Harrison sent The Peace Lily for Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. - July 13, 2026
Linda J Tutt planted 10 trees in memory of Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. . - July 11, 2026
Judith Gitiha planted 5 trees in memory of Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. . - July 11, 2026
Jeannette Robinson sent Precious Heart Bouquet for Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. - July 10, 2026
Jeannette Robinson sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Dr. Thaddeus Phillips, Jr. - July 10, 2026
Sending hugs 🤗 with love 💕 to everyone. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Margie, Tawnya, Toni, Tracy, Terri,Thad,Tricia, family and friends. Keeping everyone in my prayers. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Rest In Heavenly Peace Dr. Phillips. You are loved and missed by many. 🙏🏾❤️
Sadly submitted by Laurie Stroble (Menefee/ McKinney) and Family
Sending Condolences to Ms. Marge, Tricia and the Phillips Legacy. Your father was a true pillar to the community. Hold fast to your beautiful memories. May he Rest in Peace.
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To the family of Dr. Phillips,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of someone who truly made a difference in the lives of everyone he touched.
Dr. Phillips was more than an exceptional dentist - he was a genuinely warm and caring human being. His passion for his craft was evident, but what I will always carry with me are the conversations we shared that went far beyond dentistry. He had a curious and engaged mind, and every visit felt like time well spent with someone who truly cared.
To his wife, Mrs. Phillips - your warmth as the heart of that office made every visit a welcoming experience. The two of you created something special together.
Though years have passed since his retirement, the memory of his kindness and the joy of those conversations never faded. The warmth he brought to every interaction stays with us, and we are honored to have known him.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Mrs. Alesia Davis & Family
My condolences to the family.
Thankful for the legacy and impact of such a phenomenal man.
My heart is still heavy....but I am so glad that I was able to spend time with you last month. Hearing call my name from upstairs as you were coming down is a song that I will carry in my heart. Thank you for your love and care over my life. Love you always.
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Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I pray that God's love surrounds you, His peace comforts your heart, and His strength carries you through the days ahead. May the precious memories of your loved one bring you comfort and remind you of the love that will always remain.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
Praying that God's presence gives you peace, comfort, and hope today and in the days to come. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
LaTina Stowe & family
My sincerest condolences and prayers to Ms. Marge and the family. May God comfort and wrap you in His Love during this difficult time. Remember Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot Heal. God Bless you! Cynthia Spencer
May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen. May God grant you the fortitude to bear the loss. Dr Flora Umoetok
Dear Dr T and family, May God console you all! Papa is gone but will never be forgotten
In addition to my previous condolences, Dr T Pettiford Wates that I met in South Africa, with her excellent character, it is a proof that Dr. Thaddeus Philip was a Great Father to her and siblings
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My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Thaddeus Philip. May the almighty strengthen and comfort each and everyone of you. Amen. With love From Evelyn Akpan (a Nigerian Lady she met in South Africa)💕
Deepest condolences to the Phillips family on the loss of a great man!
Cousin Thaddeus was a gentleman, easy to talk to and loved family. I truly enjoyed spending time with him and cousin Margie during my years of employment with the State of PA. I had many meetings in Harrisburg PA. I praise our Lord I got to visit and spend those special times with them. 🙏🏾💕💚🖤💛
Family,
I have been truly blessed to know Dr. Phillips and his family. He was a remarkable man whose presence, wisdom, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
I could sit for hours listening to his stories, which were always filled with humor, wit, and lessons from a life well lived. I never walked away from a conversation with him without feeling inspired. His reflections on the challenges he faced and the perseverance that carried him forward served as a powerful example of faith, strength, and determination.
One of the things I admired most was his unwavering love and devotion to his wife Margie. He often spoke of her with such affection and respect, and it was clear to anyone who knew them that theirs was a truly special partnership. Their 70 years of marriage stand as a testament to a love that endured through every season of life. Even in his last days anything his wife wanted completed, he pressed me to complete it in a timely manner.
Dr. Phillips dedicated his life to serving others, whether through his profession, his church, his family, or his community. Yet despite his many accomplishments, he remained humble, approachable, and genuinely interested in the lives of those around him.
While our hearts are saddened by his passing, we are grateful for the countless lives he touched and the example he set. I will forever cherish the conversations we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the wisdom he so generously imparted.
My deepest condolences to Margie (mom), the entire Phillips family, and all who loved him. May God grant you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Steve Johnson
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Miss Margie and family please accept our family heartfelt condolences..Doc was our family dentist my mother and Miss Margie were friends..he was my dentist since I was a child...in my teenage years myself and my sister was trusted to attend dentist appointments unaccompanied by our parents...so on this particular sunny spring day we had dental appointment to get our cavities filled.. so for whatever reason we decided to not go to the dentist appointment..well never less to say by the time we touched that door knob we were in trouble...mom and Doc didn't play about the dental plan.. so back to the dentist we go and he said you both getting all the cavities filled and the reason why we were getting them filled in one sitting..i have had no other dentist fill my teeth nor have I gotten any cavities since Doc talk and I still have my original second set of teeth with the fillings that doc filled..We thank you Dr. Thaddeus Phillips for preserving generations of teeth..Job well done Rest Easy 🕊️
Sister Toni & Brother Matt, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved father. Please know that your Church family is praying for you and your family and are here to support you.
Chosen City Church Congregational Care Ministry
Marge and family may God comfort you all during this difficult time. Thad had such an amazing voice. He truly will be missed. Elliott and Jeannette Robinson
It was such a pleasure meeting you and Dr Phillips. MY he be sitting by the right hand of Our Father. We know he is better off. All our best to you and your family.
Was so sad to hear of the Passing of Dr. Phillips was always good to me when I went to his office as was his Son Sending my Deepest Condolences and Prayers to his family and friends such a great person
To Marge and Family, What a Wonderful and Special Man was Doc. Our Family, Donald, Herm, Dena and of course myself (Carolyn), will always hold a Special Place in Our Hearts for Dr. Thadeous H. Phillips Jr. Rest in Peace, until We meet again 🙏 🤎
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.