David G. Phillips

David G. Phillips, 83, of Sarasota, Florida died on Friday, May 20, 2016. David was born on January 22, 1933 in Kingston, Pennsylvania, and was the son of the late John R. and Cienwen Shadrach Phillips. He was predeceased by his beloved partner of 48 years, Paul J. Hayes.

During his high school days, David studied music, sang in choruses and was a guest soloist at various Welsh Festivals throughout the state of Pennsylvania. During this time he was Music Co-coordinator and Drama Director for his church. While attending high school he also studied music and theology at Wyoming Seminary. David received a music scholarship to attend Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.

After college David located in New York City to pursue his career in music. He was accepted at The American Theatre Wing, and studied voice with Alexander Alexay of The Julliard School of Music. His career was interrupted when he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

Upon his honorable discharge David took a different path and embarked on a career in marketing and advertising in New York City. He started his career path with McCann Erickson and, prior to leaving New York, he was Associate Media Director with Daniel and Charles. He relocated to Philadelphia where he was employed at N. W. Ayer, and later became a partner in Lane, Golden, Phillips.

For the last 15 years of his career he was the Executive Vice President of Elkman Advertising where his major responsibility was the McDonald’s Corporation Media for most of the Northeastern United States. He was recognized by the American Advertising Federation for his outstanding strategy in media planning. The highlight of David’s career was receiving the McDonald’s Marketing Achievement Award, during which time he served on the six-person McDonald’s National Board of Media Directors.

David served on various Boards of Directors during his career and held the position of President for the Philadelphia Advertising Club for two years.

Upon retirement, he located to Sarasota, Florida and became an activist in the LGBT community. In 1995 he became a Founding Member of SunCoast Cathedral MCC where he served on the Board of Directors and held the position of Vice Moderator. He was installed as a Deacon in 2002. During his life in Sarasota he served as President of ALSO Out Youth, a member of the Unity Leadership Team, served for four years on the committee for Sarasota Pride, and a member of PFLAG and GAIN (Gulfcoast Affirming Interfaith Network).

In 1997 David joined the Gulf Coast Gay Men’s Chorus, now known as Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, where he held the position of President for two terms and three years as its Executive Director. He was an active member of Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign. He received recognition through various community awards for his steadfast dedication and faithfulness. David was honored by ALSO Out Youth (2009), Metropolitan Community Churches Ambassador Award (2003), SunCoast Cathedral MCC (2005), Church of the Trinity MCC (2008), Gulf Coast Men’s Chorus and Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota (2013), Watermark Wave and Leadership Awards (2003), and Equality Florida (2009).

David was not only known for his love of music and his faith, but also for his exemplary professionalism. He was a loving, caring and dedicated man loved by many. He will be missed by his family, friends, and community. He was always there, reaching out to help others, and giving of his time and love in so many ways. All the lives touched by David will share the memory of his gifts forever. May he rest in peace.

David was predeceased by his brother Richard (Chick), and sister Audrey Cavan. Survivors include his brother John (Gail); nieces: Patrice Larsen and her husband Rick, Karen Albensi and her husband Joseph, Debbie Phillips and her husband Scott Czajkowski, and Mary Ann Rork and her husband Andrew; nephews: Rick Phillips and his wife Debbie, William Phillips and his wife Cheryl, David Phillips and his wife Leslie, and Donald Phillips; and all of their loving children.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 11:00am at SunCoast Cathedral MCC, 3276 East Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34292. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to SunCoast Cathedral MCC and Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota. These were his passions and love in life.

Arrangements under the direction of Palms - Robarts Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Sarasota, FL.