Thomas A. Phillips, Rochester, MN age 57, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 16, 2012.

Tom was born in Birmingham, England, the youngest of seven children. His parents, Mary Ann and Joseph Peter were both Irish and kept many of the traditions of the old country.

Tom completed a degree in Biochemistry at the University of London's Royal Holloway College. Later he obtained a Masters degree in Business Administration – Marketing at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.  Besides a short-lived job at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where he met his wife of 31 years, Alma Adrover. Tom worked most of his life for Perkin Elmer in positions of increasing responsibility while they lived in Puerto Rico. His job required him to travel all over the Caribbean, a task that both thrilled and annoyed him.

Tom suffered and survived many health issues including a kidney and pancreas transplant in 1994 which brought him to Mayo Clinic. It was also his health that led the couple to move to Rochester in 1999, where they have lived ever since.

Tom loved life. His sense of humor was famous; dry, witty and English to his very core. He fought incessantly and courageously against all odds. His faith in God and his love for Alma carried him through the hardest times. He passed away peacefully at his home, in Alma's arms. He will live in her heart forever.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Alma, his beautiful cats Rosie and Henry, his sisters Eileen Del Buono (Portland, Oregon), Bernadette Johnston (Birmingham, England), his brother Michael Phillips (Brisbane, Australia), his sister in law, Ana D. Adrover (Yauco, Puerto Rico), and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in his death by his parents Mary Ann and Peter, and his siblings Patrick, John and Margaret.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 5:00 PM at the Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel on Saturday, July 21, 2012 with the Rev. Paul E. Nelson officiating.  There will be a visitation starting at 4:00 pm on Saturday at the Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

NO FLOWERS, PLEASE. In lieu of this, please make a donation in his name to the Gift of Life Transplant House, Paws and Claws or the Rochester Public Library.