George C. Phillips III

It is with much sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of George C. Phillips, III.

George, a long-time resident of Lynnfield and loving husband to Marilyn Anne (Trapasso) Phillips of close to 55 years, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at Salem Hospital after a short illness and surrounded by the love of his family. George was 82 years old.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 4, 1942, he was the son of the late George Charles Phillips and Louise (Ciampi) Bird and son-in law of the late Frank S. Trapasso and Anne (Petrillo) Trapasso. 

Growing up in East Boston, Massachusetts, George, at the age of 18 enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corp in 1960. George was incredibly proud of his time in the service. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” This rang so true for George from the day he joined the Marines to the day he left this heavenly earth. He was a fighter. Quiet at times, but determined. He showed what can come of hard work and perseverance. 

George and Marilyn, together, have been running their beloved and cherished clock shop, Phillips’ Clock Shop, in Swampscott, Massachusetts for over 50 years. George’s love and interest in clocks began after he met Marilyn from her father, Frank. From there, George attended North Bennet Street School in Boston from 1968 to 1970, where watch and clock repair was once taught. George worked on Washington Street in Boston as the assistant manager for the watch and clock repair department at Jordan Marsh for a number of years. George then continued his career and passion for unique time pieces working at Chelsea Clock in Chelsea, Massachusetts before opening his own business in 1974. From there, Phillips’ Clock Shop was born. George’s talent, attention to detail and immense knowledge of antique watches and clocks was highly regarded by his loyal customers. He was a well-known clockmaker and horologist in his trade, specializing in repairing many early timepieces that those who know and have the skills to repair are fewer each year. The beautiful store is located at 330 Essex Street in Swampscott, which has been home to the store since 1995, and prior was located in Salem and previously Saugus and Winthrop, Massachusetts. 

George was a proud member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, joining in 1968. He was happy to be known as one of the old timers.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that George’s passions also included his love of Classic Cars. He was a car enthusiast and his greatest love of cars were older Cadillacs and early LaSalles. 

Besides being a lifelong partner to his wife, Marilyn, George was a strong, proud father of three who valued his family above all. George is survived by his loving son and daughter; George C. Phillips, IIII and Tina Rose Phillips, both of Lynnfield, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his granddaughter, London Rose Rollins (aka “Rosie” to Papa), whose incredible mother, Tanya Anne, left this world way too soon. George and his eldest daughter, Tanya, shared a love for Chinese food and tea. Each would be greatly content sitting at Fantasy Island restaurant in Salem enjoying time with one another and having tea pot after tea pot after tea pot of tea. George and Tanya shared an incredible level of patience. George’s love of cars was quickly echoed by his son, George, at a very young age. They enjoyed numerous Cruise Nights and Classic Car Shows, especially the Hershey Car Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They were also known big for their father and son Sunday breakfasts out. George’s youngest, Tina, shares being mechanically inclined and loved working with her father on home renovations and complicated repairs. Learning a lot from her father, Tina, has a huge interest and passion in real estate and home construction. Tina also shares a great appreciation for time pieces and their workings, and would watch her father as he repaired clocks, telling her what he was doing while she asked questions. There are incredible stories an antique clock and its works can tell. 

George, the eldest of three boys, is also survived by his brothers; Steve Phillips, and Gregory Phillips and his wife Brenda, all of Auburn, Pennsylvania. George also leaves behind a number of brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

In George’s memory, the next time you look at a mechanical clock or a precious watch, think of him and the time you have. Cherish it, grow each day and love the history that can be made from your own life. George and his beloved clock shop have been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, and George was once noted as saying, “The clock of life only gets wound once”. 

Funeral Services will be privately held. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s name may be made to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors at 514 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone: 717-684-8261 or https://www.nawcc.org/donate/.