June 25, 1933 to August 31, 2022

SOUTHBURY — The family of Arthur Phillips is heartbroken to announce his death on August 31, 2022. Art was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 25, 1933, to Alex and Mollie (Rossio) Phillips.

He attended Cleveland Heights High School. He graduated from Western Reserve and then earned a DDS degree from Tufts Dental School. Art served in the Navy for three years as a supply officer and a dentist.

Art moved to New York, where he practiced dentistry and met his future wife, Barbara Koweek, on a blind date. He was a member of Big Brothers, where he mentored a young man named Troy. He was also a member of the New York Dental Association. Art went back to Columbia University for a degree in endodontics.

He moved his family to Brookfield, Connecticut, and opened an endodontic practice in Danbury. Later he built a home on Taunton Lake in Newtown, where he lived for 38 years. In 1979, he built the Water Wizz waterslide in Misquamicut Beach, Rhode Island, which he ran with his family for two summers. Art believed in giving back to his community. He was president of the Danbury Dental Association and president of Newtown Rotary. He was a board member of Friends of Music and the Newtown Planning and Zoning Committee. In addition, he volunteered his services and expertise at the Danbury Hospital Dental Clinic. Art also served on the Advisory Committee for the dental clinic in Afula, Israel, sponsored by the Jewish Federation. He was a member of the Connecticut Audio Society. His interests included music, especially jazz and classical; reading; research; audio technology; travel; hiking; and tennis.

Art was passionate about his family. He loved spending time with them and hearing about their latest accomplishments.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara (Koweek) Phillips; his children, Marc (Janet) Phillips, Lisa Phillips (Bill Mead), and Kira (Alan) Copperman; and six grandchildren: Jade Phillips, Layla Phillips, Clara Mead, and Hannah, Alex, and Noah Copperman. Art’s brother, Paul, predeceased him. He is survived by many cherished family members and friends.

The family is grateful to the staff of Maplewood at Stony Hill for their compassionate care. In addition, Art received extraordinary loving care from Blessed Appiah, a special person. We are grateful for his love and devotion to Art.

Art’s funeral will be held at 11 am at B’nai Israel synagogue in Southbury, Conn., on Sunday, September 4. Shiva will be observed on Monday, September 5, at 7 pm at the synagogue.

Donations in his name may be made to American Stroke Association, B’nai Israel Synagogue, Greater Washington Coalition for Jewish Life, Danbury Regional Hospice, or Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut.

To leave a memory or message of support for Art’s family, please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

He will forever be in our hearts and memories.