
Francis Xavier McPhillips, 60, passed away Sunday, January 2, 2022 at his home in Susquehanna Twp. after years of battling with spinal and leg disabilities. He was the son of the late Patrick Joseph and Catherine Mary (Duffy) McPhillips.
Born October 19, 1961 Frank was the youngest of five boys and adored his two younger twin sisters. But that didn’t stop him from grabbing the attention that went along with his flaming red hair and no-holds-barred temperament. He left many a frustrated nun and lay teacher at St. Margaret Mary elementary school in Penbrook in his wake as he disrupted classes with his antics.
Later, Frank would pursue a career in food preparation and hospitality. He went onto graduate from the Culinary Arts Program at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island and was soon working at Hilton restaurants in Chicago and Niles, Illinois.
Frank returned to the Harrisburg area and became a sous chef for a time at the Hotel Hershey before taking a position under Corporate Executive Chef John Reis at the Harrisburg Hilton for many years.
Frank also taught cooking and the fine art of preparing cuisine at the Keystone Technical Institute, Harrisburg and at other culinary arts programs. He also volunteered his cooking services on weekends and holidays at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, Harrisburg.
Frank is survived by four brothers: John (Frances); Patrick (Lisa); Edward (Patricia); and Terence (Linda) McPhillips and by two sisters; Margaret Ann (Craig) Coburn and Mary Catherine (Douglas) Maronic; numerous uncles and aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and his friend at his side to the end, his miniature Australian Shepherd, Bambi.
Frank’s life will be celebrated by close family members and friends at a date and time to be announced later in this space and at Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. website. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Francis Food Kitchen, Harrisburg.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the McPhillips family.
6 comments on “Francis Xavier McPhillips”
may u be at peace! your earthly trials are done!
my thoughts and prayers are with u as well ss your loved ones!
its never easy! sometimes knowing that someones physical dissabilities far surpass their purpose on earth there are a sense in knowing that suffering is no longer! and good memories flood through! may u RIP FRANK!
So sorry to hear this news. I hold many fond memories of our days as childhood friends and pray that you can find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
My condolences to the entire McPhillips family ?I have many fond memories of Frank back in our younger years at St.Margaret Mary’s then later thru high school at a mutual friends house for cheer before we went our separate ways.
Glad he found his passion in the culinary arts and am not surprised by his generous giving at the soup kitchen helping others!
I’ll always remember Frank as a true Irishman thru and thru..,,, May the road rise up to meet you old friend ?
While I have never met his family, I send my condolences to you all. Frank was a gentle man with a heart full of love ( and mischief). He was a beautiful soul, and I will miss his sweet smile. May he rest well in the palm of an almighty power, and dance with the angels.
No more pain.
Mcphillips family.. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Frank. I remember many summer afternoons at penn colonial pool and Frank holds true to his obituary, always full of himself. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of your during this time.
Condolences to Francis’s entire family. May he rest in peace.
SMM 1976 classmate – Joe Sullivan