May 21, 1985 – Feb. 15, 2014
Resident of Manhattan Beach, Former Resident of Alameda

Thomas John Theodore Phillips, 28, of Manhattan Beach, Calif. died peacefully, surrounded by his family at 2:23 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at his sister’s home in Claremont, Calif.

Thomas, known affectionately by his friends and family as Tommy, was born on May 21, 1985, to George and Jean Phillips. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Stone, on Sept. 28, 2013. Tommy was a long-time resident of Manhattan Beach, where he lived since leaving his childhood home in Alameda at the age of 18 to attend Loyola Marymount University.

After college, Tommy began a very successful career in digital marketing and advertising at Carat USA, culminating at Dealer.com where he helped establish the company’s West Coast presence. Tommy was loving, kind and relatable. He was not a man who focused on an impressive academic record or career accomplishments.

He was a man who loved food, plaid clothing and a good drink. He was well respected and impacted every person he came in contact with. As one friend put it, “there are good men, there are great men and there is Tommy Phillips.”

He began his education at Bayside Montessori School, then St. Joseph’s Elementary School and St. Mary’s College Prep High School. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2007. He made lifelong friends in every phase of his life. Growing up, Tommy participated in most of Alameda’s youth sports programs and was an active Boy Scout. He went on to play both football and basketball at St. Mary’s College Prep High School, including the varsity basketball team that won the California State Championship.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, by his parents Jean and George Phillips of Alameda, his sisters and brotherin- laws, Amy and Wade Mathieson (Claremont), Leslie and Brian Corcoran (Claremont), Sara and Brian Harrison (Concord), his nephew, Finn, nieces Hannah and nephew, Finn, nieces Hannah, Claire, Grace, Stella and Ruby. Tommy also leaves behind his grandmother Ann Jonlick; aunts Gail Loya and Mary Jonlick; and uncles George Adams and Mark Jonlick.

He enjoyed summer vacations at Donner Lake, camping trips and traveling. In college he traveled to Japan and coached youth sports. Tommy visited 13 countries in Europe and Asia. Tommy lived each of his 28 years to the fullest. He enjoyed being surrounded by his nieces, nephew, sisters and brothers-in-law, as well as his wide circle of friends. He had an amazing ability to stay in touch with people he knew from all stages of his life.

His enthusiasm and humor were infectious and his friends flocked around him. Heaven was already paradise and God just added our biggest All Star. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Family and friends are invited to visit with Tommy’s family at 6 p.m., Feb. 21, at St. Joseph’s Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., to be followed by vigil services at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. Private interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 4529 Howe St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: gofund me.com/tommy-phillips. For more information, call: Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745). Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services, FD-2139 1415 Oak St. (510) 522-6020