Philip John Tully made a peaceful transition from this mortal life to the eternal hereafter on Wednesday December 10, 2014 surrounded by the tender care of family and friends in the home in Mattapoisett that he loved. He was born May 24, 1953 in New Britain, CT. He was the son of the late George F. and Marie F. Tully and brother of the late Jeffrey A. Tully. He leaves behind his lifetime love and wife of 32 years, Barbara A. Tully who he referred to with great affection as “B”. He also leaves behind his dear sons Brendan G. Tully of Mattapoisett, and Colin J. Tully of Atlanta GA, in whom his fortitude, compassion and generosity are beautifully reflected. He will be dearly missed by his loving mother-in-law, admiring sisters and brothers-in-law, adoring nieces and nephews, appreciative cousins, respecting colleagues, and a grateful community.
A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Philip received his Masters degree in counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He was a licensed social worker employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where his entire adult work life was committed to the support of individuals with intellectual disabilities. During nearly 40 years of service he was blessed to bear witness to magnificent changes in how individuals with disabilities were able to see themselves and to many acts of personal courage as individuals sought and realized a better life for themselves.
Philip was an avid reader whose passion for history, love for his country, sharp wit, and facility with language, was appreciated by all who knew him and enjoyed good conversation and debate. He was an adventurous outdoorsman who saw God at work everywhere in nature. His stewardship of God’s creation was evident in his outdoor work at home and on the land he loved in the woods of Maine.
Throughout his journey with cancer Philip demonstrated unwavering strength, gratitude for exceptional care, tireless commitment to his work, selfless devotion to his family, and despite a desire to continue his journey on earth, an unshakable faith and acceptance of God’s will. May he rest in peace.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday December 15, 2014 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday December 14, 2014 from 2-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Neediest Families Fund, 25 Elm St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.