Obituary of Philip L. Evans

Philip L. Evans, 87, devoted husband and father, prominent Peabody resident and community leader,distinguished veteran of WWII + Korean Conflict, died peacefully Tuesday evening at his residence with family by his side. Born 9/23/1925, married 62 years to Gloria (Spinazola) Evans, father to 3 sons John of Nashua NH,Scott of Salem MA, James and his wife Jan of Danvers MA, Phil first volunteered for naval military service in 1943 and earned, for active duty, 13 service ribbons, 7 battle stars, Presidential Navy Unit Citation, Bronze Star Medal with Valor before honorable military discharge in 1952. For most of his life Phil had been in the floral business, working first with his father Howard at Evans Flowers in Peabody and later as owner of My Florist in Salem. His community service included work for JB Thomas Hospital, Warren Five Savings Bank, Peabody YMCA,Peabody American Red Cross. An avid blood + platelet donor, he was also an active member of Peabody Rotary Club, Jordan Lodge of Masons, Tanner City Men’s Club, South Congregational Church in Peabody and Maple Street Congregational Church in Danvers. In his later years, Phil helped Boy Scouts of America Troop 58, charted by Danvers VFW and was affectionately known as the “grandfather” of the troop. His charitable contributions and community service touched and changed many lives. In addition to his immediate family, Phil is survived by his sister Dorothy and his 5 grandchildren Jaclyn, Jeramey, Garrett, Leanna, Matthew and many nieces, nephews, cousins and loyal friends. Honoring his request, there are no visiting hours. Family service will be private. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to Maple Street Congregational Church, 90 Maple Street, DanversMA01923 and/or to All Care Hospice, 210 Market Street, Lynn MA 01901.