Phillip Dexter

On the afternoon of October 31, 2014 after fighting a prolonged illness, Phillip “Captain Flipper” Dexter set sail on his final cruise across the timeless ocean to Heaven’s great shore. Phil Dexter was born in St. Clair Michigan in February of 1927 to Verna and Dawson Dexter. He grew up and attended school in Michigan before joining the Navy at the end of World War II. After the war he moved to Colorado where he met the love of his life, Valerie Conroy. In 1949 they married and moved to Casper Wyoming where he worked as a petroleum engineer. Their three children, Keith, Marianne and Judie were all born there.

In 1958 Phil moved his family to Phoenix Arizona where he stayed until the passing of his wife in 1989. During his time in Arizona, Phil gained notoriety for his development of the Big Surf water park in Tempe. After his wife’s death, Phil moved to New Bern North Carolina to spend time sailing. From his time in the Navy to his last day on earth he had a great love for the sea and for boating. His love for adventure on the water was second only to the love he had for his family and his friends. In 2011 Phil retired from boating and moved to Columbia Connecticut to be close to his daughter Marianne who cared for him up until the time of his passing.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister, his wife Valerie and his longtime companion Elizabeth Seymore. He is survived by his three children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Every person that knew Phil Dexter was blessed to have him in their life. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Smooth sailing captain, until we all meet again in God’s great harbor.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

To visit Phillip’s online tribute, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com