Philip Deleanor Willette

Philip Deleanor Willette

Passed peacefully surrounded by family on September 14th, 2025, aged 82 of Holyrood, NL.

Phil was born on June, 1943 in Winter House Brook, Bonne Bay, Newfoundland to John and Susie Willette. He moved to Toronto at the age of 17 where, a few years later, he started his career as a Firefighter with the East York Fire Department. He volunteered with the Kiwanis Club of East York for many years, working tirelessly in the support of children around the world. He retired from the fire department in 1998 as the Director of Training after more than 30 years of brave and dedicated service.

When he returned to Newfoundland to live, Phil became a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 64, Holyrood, offering countless hours of volunteer service. Through this service work, he built many lasting friendships with a large Legion family who he cherished through all his days. In his retirement he also used his considerable skills in carpentry and painting for projects both at home and in the surrounding community.

Phil enjoyed many hobbies over the years including hunting, snowmobiling, bowling, playing darts, cribbage, and pool. Summer trips to Bonne Bay and visits to Northern Bay were among his favourite memories where he enjoyed the beautiful landscape and time with his family.

Phil will be deeply missed by his loving partner, Peggy O’Brien (née Dwyer), her children Mark (Michelle), Carl (Deanne), and Shane (Brittany) and her grandchildren Liam, Amelia and Marin.

He will also be dearly missed by his daughter, Cindy Ellerton (Larry deceased) and his two grandchildren, Nicholas and Lauren (Simon).

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Susie Willette, his siblings Gertie Parsons (Bob), Kevin, Sam (Margaret), Annie White (Joe), Terry, nephew Christopher, nieces Sheila White and Diane Parsons, Peggy’s niece Stacy Crawford and his son-in-law Larry Ellerton.

He will be forever missed by his surviving siblings Loretta Dolmage (Neil), John (Carole Anne), Helen Forward (Wendell) and Kathleen Webster (Fred) and sisters-in-law Bernadette and Lynn; Peggy’s siblings Patricia Crawford (Bill deceased), Andrew, Ed (Diana), Maria Rowe (Neil deceased), Alicia Dill (Marty), and John; along with his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Heartful gratitude goes to the Miller Centre Palliative Care Team, Community Support Program, Holyrood, and Dr. Paul Walsh. A special thank you to Judy and Helen for their care and support in Phil’s final weeks.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood, on Wednesday, September 17th, from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Holyrood on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 10:30 am. Inurnment will follow at a later date in Bonne Bay, NL.

"For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed with the link available Below."

Flowers gratefully accepted or a donation can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 64, Holyrood, NL in memory of Phil.

A Fire Fighter’s Prayer

When I am called to duty, God.

Wherever flames may rage,

Give me strength to save some life

Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child,

Before it is too late,

Or to save an older person from

The horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert,

And hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently

To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and

To give the best in me,

To guard my every neighbour and

Protect his property.

And if according to Your will,

It is time to end my life,

Please bless with Your protecting hand

My children and my wife.