POLAND — LIC Phillip W. Baril, of Poland, died Friday, Jan. 21, at his home.

He was born in Lewiston on May 10, 1933, the son of the late Irene Barron Baril and Henry Baril. Irene passed away when Phil was 8. He spent time in the children’s home and then lived with his sister, Carmen, and her husband, Russell, in Auburn.

Following graduation from Edward Little High School, he joined the U.S. Navy in which he spent 24 years of service traveling instate and overseas. His last assignment was at the Pentagon. Following his Navy retirement he worked for One Right Systems in Lewiston for 20 years.

Following this retirement, Phil worked for L.L. Bean part time during the Christmas season, which he thoroughly enjoyed and wanted to continue this past year even knowing he could not.

In 1952, he married his former wife, Patricia Rogers. In 1977, he married Paula Bettis Matson.

Phillip’s proudest moments were being with children and grandchildren, traveling to Florida and visiting relatives, a week at Range Pond in 2009 with the whole family and his many travels to Mexico for fishing, many times with Joe Fish of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and once with his daughter, Michele, and son, Michael, and families. He always spoke of the many achievements of his children and grandchildren, loved watching Dustyn and Jakob play baseball as he never missed a game — even when he could not walk, he sat in the hot car to watch.

Phil will be greatly remembered for his laughter, teasing, card playing and special drink, scotch. He was a very likeable man who could make one laugh even in a bad situation. He might also be remembered for a little stubbornness.

He leaves behind his wife Paula of 33 years; daughter, Michele Landers, and her children, Aaron, Addison and Danika, of Maryland; sons, Mark and wife, Pat, and their children, Justin and Jeffrey, of Maine, Peter and wife, Chad, of Maine, Michael and wife, Theresa, and their children, Jason and Heather, of Maryland; a step-son, Michael Matson and wife, Nicole, of Maine; a special daughter-in-law, Angel Matson and her children, Dustyn and Jakob, of Maine; his former wife, Patricia Rogers Baril Williams of Maryland; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Carmen Varney of North Carolina, and Janet Ianconni of Maine; a brother, Larry and his wife, Georgette, of Maine; a sister-in-law, Patricia Baril of Maine; two brothers-in-law, David Bettis of New Hampshire, and Gerald and wife, Ruth Bettis, of New Hampshire; a special brother-in-law, Pete Rogers and wife, Jean, of Tennessee; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Phil was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Paul and Henry; a sister-in-law, Lillian Baril; a brother-in-law, Russell Varney; and sister-in-law, Barbara Baril.

A most special thank you to Drs. Modarressi, Pandey, Ikossi and Davis; to the wonderful staff of St. Mary’s oncology department (they were all super); and to the hospice nurses who cared for Phillip in his time of most need. Also to a special friend, Lee Noddin, and all the people from Sacred Heart Church that continued their prayer vigil. His good friends Dick Breau, Armand Fournier, Peter Chabot and Joe Tirrell. A very special thank you to Dustyn and Jakob Matson who if it had not been for their help lifting and caring for Phil, he would not have been able to remain at home which was his wish. Thank you to all those who helped prepare the reception following the funeral — greatly appreciated. To the members of Our Lady of Ransom Church and the members of the Prayer Shawl committee. Phil used his prayer shawl daily and I am sure all your prayers were heard and it brought great comfort. Thank you to Sister Madeleine of St. Mary’s Hospital with whom Phil received great spiritual revelations.

You are invited to share your condolences with the family by visiting www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

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