Philip John Ricard

Philip John Ricard, known affectionately as "Phil" to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, in Hampton, CT. Born on Christmas Eve in 1961 in Willimantic, CT, Phil was a man of many passions and talents, whose love for his family and interests were the cornerstone of his life.

Phil is survived by his loving wife Debbie (Paine) Ricard, his daughter Elizabeth Paine, and his cherished grandchildren, Lyela Rose, Callie Mae, and Aria Willow. He also leaves behind his two brothers, Norman "Raymond" and Denis, two sisters, Louise Eldridge, Elizabeth Ricard, and his best friend and nephew Jon Ricard, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Phil was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Isabell (Thibodeau) Ricard; five brothers, Richard, Danny, Wilfred, Arthur, and Roger, and his uncle Conrad, who was like a second father to him and his beloved nephew, Kevin..

Phil's professional life was dedicated to the field of land surveying. He worked diligently as a survey foreman, where his keen eye for detail and his deep understanding of the land made him a respected figure in his field. His colleagues admired him for his intelligence, his gentle nature, and his unwavering commitment to his work.

Outside of his career, Phil was an avid fisherman, a testament to his love for the great outdoors. He was fascinated by oceanography and astronomy, always eager to learn more about the world beyond what the eye could see. He had a fondness for old bottles, old trucks, and Mustang cars, each item a reflection of his appreciation for history and craftsmanship. Above all, Phil loved his grandchildren the most, cherishing every moment he spent with them.

Phil was a man of many interests, but his love for mathematics was particularly profound. There wasn't much he didn't know, a testament to his insatiable curiosity and his lifelong commitment to learning. His intelligence was matched only by his loving nature, which endeared him to all who knew him.

As Albert Einstein once said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." Phil embodied this quote, his curiosity and love for learning evident in every aspect of his life. His legacy will continue to inspire his family and all who knew him to never stop questioning, to never stop learning, and to cherish the simple joys of life.

Philip John "Phil" Ricard will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones. His life was a testament to the power of love, intelligence, and gentle kindness, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.  A celebration of life will be held on October 1, 2023 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Mill Brook Place, 1267 Main St., Coventry.

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