Phillip Anthony Dawes Sr.

Phillip was born December 2, 1940, in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies to Wilfred and Lucille Dawes of King Edward Road.

Phillip emigrated to the United States in 1961 to pursue higher education at New York University as a scholarship student. He received his B.A. in 1965 and M.A. in 1970. Prior to leaving Jamaica, he graduated from St. George's College, Kingston, Jamaica.

In November 1964, he married Elaine Tomlinson, known to family and friends by her special name, Pansy. They met at a Caribbean student function at New York University in 1963. In their 57 years together, Phillip and Pansy had two children, Katherine Ann, and Phillip Anthony Jr. They lived in 3 states (New York, Maryland, and Virginia) as they pursued their respective careers and education. Phillip had a wide-ranging career in public service. He worked for the NAACP, the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now Health and Human Services), and the Central Office of the State of New York. At the end of his long civil service career, he was the longtime Executive Director of Charles K. Post Addiction Treatment Center in Brentwood, NY.

As the ninth of twelve children, Phillip was very proud to be part of a large extended family with relatives in Jamaica, the United States, Britain, Canada, and Germany. He embraced being both Jamaican-born and citizen of the United States. He took special pride the title “Uncle Phil” and in accommodating family in visiting the nation’s capital. But his greatest joy as was hosting an annual Family and Friends summer pool party when living on Long Island, NY from 1985 – 2009.

After retirement, he and Pansy relocated to Arlington, VA, where he resided until his death. Phillip spent his retirement years attending local concerts but in particular he enjoyed going to ballets, as well as visiting art museums and gardens. He participated in civic life as an active board member and voter. Phillip traveled with Pansy across the globe to 47 countries on 5 continents. He treasured spending quality time with his four grandchildren in Washington, DC and Newton, MA – taking them on local adventures and travel abroad.

Phillip loved life to the fullest. An avid sports enthusiast and a former athlete, he especially loved watching soccer and basketball, professional or otherwise. He was known for his sharp intellect, big laugh, and perennial optimism.

Phillip leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 57 years, Elaine Tomlinson Dawes; brothers Donovan and Freddie (Phyllis); sisters Cecily, Sydney, Michele, and Natalie; children, Katherine (Barry) and Phillip Jr (Nickki), grandchildren, Marley, Phillip, Faris, and Grant; beloved In-laws Esme, Una (Les), and Adris; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to remember Phillip through a memorial gift send your gift to the below: