Philip Henry Jenkins

Philip Henry Jenkins, Sr., of Willimantic, CT passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017 at Windham Hospital. Philip “Chip” was born on August 20, 1946 in Norwich, CT to the late Daniel David Jenkins, Sr. and Clara DeBarros Jenkins Amado.

Chip graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1965 where he was an avid athlete.  He was a four year letterman in basketball. Chip was an outstanding vocalist in the school chorus.  After high school he served in the US Army, 268 Armored Division in Germany, where he also played basketball for the All Army Team. Chip played many years in the Willi-Mac Men’s Softball League. In his later years he enjoyed playing golf with his sons and was a proud Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation Elder. With the help of his grandchildren Chip became a social media whiz. 

Philip was a sports fanatic, especially when it came to the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and the UConn Huskies. He also had a passion for music…anyone who knows Chip, knows he was always singing. Philip worked at Lehigh Oil, was a Police Officer at UConn, and also worked at the Willimantic Chronicle and Gorin’s Furniture. 

He was predeceased by his brothers Lt. Daniel David Jenkins, Jr. and Thomas Jenkins.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 51 years, Reatha Harris Jenkins and their sons Philip Jenkins, Jr. and wife Melissa, Kirk Jenkins, and Jack Jenkins and wife Megan. He was also a father figure to Angelo Steve Gonzales and family, and Michael McAllister and family. Chip was very proud of all of his grandchildren. Marcus, Philip, Rachel, Elijah, Jack Jr., Darien, Aniya, and Maeve. They were his pride and joy. Philip is also survived by his siblings:  Gladys “Sandy” Lewis, Nancy “Pugsy” Andrews, Dennis “Mickey” Jenkins, Darlene “Tubby” Fonville, Janice Pemberton, Jerrilyn “Nuffy” Cagle, Julio Amado, James Amado, Clara “Jeannie” Amado, Jack Amado, Lisa Amado, and Larry Jenkins. Chip cherished his family including his numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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