1936 – 2016

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Philippe Bertrand Paré, 79, of Jacksonville, N.C., died Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C. 

He was born March 28, 1936, at the family home in Lewiston, the oldest child of Philippe E. and Simone Fillion Paré. He was a 1955 graduate of St. Dom’s High School, where he was active in sports. On graduation he joined the U.S. Marines.

Phil married Patricia Allen on Dec. 5, 1957, and they had two children, Eric of North Carolina and Laura of Utah. They enjoyed 49 happy years prior to her death in 2007.

Phil remarried Rizalina Ares and leaves two stepsons, Jared and Edward; and stepdaughter, Makayla Goldsborough, all of North Carolina.

Phil dedicated his life to the military and served in the U.S. Marines for 33 years, retiring as a master gunnery sergeant. Phil served in the 1st Battalion 9th Marines. Throughout their Vietnam experience, the 1st Battalion 9th Marines would earn the nickname “Walking Dead.” During the Vietnam War, the 1/9 Marines earned the reputation for near-constant engagement in heavy combat, and was said to have sustained the highest casualty rate in U.S. Marine Corps history. Phil fought in the 1968 Battle of Khe Sahn. He was also credited with establishing the secretarial schools for the Marine Corps and spent 12 years molding young Marine officers at Quantico, Va.

In addition to his wife, Rizalina and stepchildren, he is survived by son, Eric Paré; daughter, Laura Paré, brothers, Marcel and wife, Chris, Réjean and wife, Jackie, all of Lewiston, Jerry and wife, Kelly, of Minot; and sister, Rachel Gott and husband, Merle, of Topsham; grandchildren, Jolene and Daniel; seven great-grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews.

Phil was predeceased by his parents; wife, Patricia; and son, Michael.

Phil loved his family, country and fondly remembered the Lewiston community.