William Cordes Phillips, 84, of Lititz unexpectedly passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023.Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Howard and Margaret Phillips (Cordes).

William (Bill) was a graduate of Shady Side Academy and Bowdoin College. At Bowdoin hestudied literature and sociology. His career began as a teacher at Winchendon School inMassachusetts. Later, William studied Literature at University of Arizona, Tucson.

William served as a Reservist in the National Guard attending basic training in Fort Sill,Oklahoma. He attended 6 years of summer camp at Fort Indiantown gap in artillery.

William met his future wife, Joyce Hutchison, while both worked in the anti-poverty movement inPittsburgh. William was at Kingsley Settlement House and Joyce worked at the Jewish FamilyServices.

William and Joyce were married in Glenshaw, PA in 1967. After the wedding, the couplereturned to Arizona for William to complete his Master's in American Literature. Ultimately,returning to Pittsburgh to teach English at Point Park College.

William received his Masters of Public Administration at the University of Pittsburgh leading to along career as a public servant in the nonprofit sector starting at the United Way of Pittsburghand ending with the United Way of America in 1996 in Alexandria, VA. While at the United Way,William led the Research Division and later the National Academy for Volunteerism. Tocomplete his career, William was selected to lead the IBM Quality Initiative as a consultant.

William had a strong sense of commitment to volunteering, devoting many years to mentoringorganizations such as Pets On Wheels, and lastly significant contributions as a board memberto the Lancaster Public Library.

William is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce. Son, Josh Phillips (Carol), daughter CarrieGerard (Brian) and grandsons Ethan Gerard, Garrett Phillips, Graham Gerard and CarterPhillips. William was predeceased by his brothers Marshall and Howard Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the public library, animal welfare organization, orcharity of your choice.