Obituaries

Howard Phipps, a beloved resident of Newport News, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in Bloomington, Illinois, Howard joined the US Navy at a young age and served in submarines. After four years, he decided to continue working with them, dedicating his professional life to building submarines as a hydraulic mechanic at the Newport News Shipyard, where he served for 38 years before retiring.

Howard was a devout member of Colosse Baptist Church in Windsor, Virginia, where he sang in the choir for many years. Later, he joined St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Newport News, Virginia. Howard was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals since he was a little kid. He cherished the memories of watching his favorite team play in Washington DC and San Diego. He loved watching and discussing politics and cared deeply about social justice. He also loved spending time with his wife watching the sunset at the lion’s bridge. He enjoyed watching war movies, documentaries, and westerns. He had a deep interest in astronomy and wished he had been able to do that for a living. Howard also loved logging on to the computer and spending time playing remotely with this longtime friend and videogame teammate Bill Mountford.

Howard could carry a conversation for hours; he loved sharing funny stories of him and his brother getting into trouble growing up, which he would finish by saying that he regretted, of course. Howard had great skill and passion for carpentry. He created everything from small wooden trinkets and furniture pieces for friends and family to large lawn nativity sets and even a lectern for the church. He was a fast learner, and it was hard to beat him at any board game.

He was preceded in rest by his mother, Joanne Burns, his father, Howard Phipps, his brother, Danny Phipps, his first wife, Jean Phipps, her brother Dennis Keith Parker, and grandchild Marcelino.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Angela Phipps, his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Becky, and their children Zach and his wife Emma, and Gabe. Also, Angela’s children whom he thought of as an extension of his blood: Daniel and his partner Amanda, and his children Isiah and Camila; David and his wife Lauren; Lary and her husband Gerardo and their children Maria Jose and Sebastian; Diego and his wife Caroline and their son Ira.

“Papa Howard” is already and forever will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His family would like to extend their appreciation to the Riverside Hospice Staff who showed him utmost love and compassion

A visitation for friends will be held on May 16, 2025, at Saint Vincent de Paul at 230 33rd St, Newport News, VA 23607. The viewing will begin at 12 noon, followed by a mass at 1:00 pm. A procession to Peninsula Memorial Park at 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606 will follow the service.