Philip Sandstrom

Philip Sandstrom, 74, of West Boylston, Massachusetts, passed away on October 7 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

Born in Worcester to Richard and Eleanor Sandstrom, Phil lived his life with kindness, generosity, and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a way of making people feel welcome and was always ready to share a laugh with those around him.

Phil spent his early years in Oxford before moving to Princeton in the third grade. He attended Wachusett Regional High School, where he met Betty, who would become his beloved wife and lifelong partner of 52 years. Phil graduated from Worcester State College and went on to build a long and dedicated career at Stone & Berg Lumber Company, where he worked in purchasing for 48 years.

In his younger years, Phil volunteered as a firefighter and EMT in Princeton. He enjoyed both water and snow skiing and loved challenging friends and family to card and board games. A devoted Boston sports fan, he was especially passionate about the Celtics during the 1980s, when Larry Bird led the team.

In his later years, Phil and Betty enjoyed traveling together to places around the world, including Hawaii, China, and Australia. At home, Phil was happy with some of his favorite simple pleasures: a cold Pepsi, a warm pizza, and a good episode of Star Trek (they're all good ones).

Phil will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Betty; their son, Kurt; his brothers, Kerry and Bob; and his sister, Jean Sweet. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Eleanor Sandstrom, and his brother, Karl.

In keeping with Phil’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private celebration of life will be announced at a later date.