Philip A. Derick of Holmes Beach, Florida passed away on June 4th, 2025, at the age of 91.
Born in Troy, New York he was the son of the late Arnold R. Derick and Marjorie MacGregor Derick. He was raised in Springfield, MA where he and his friends played sandlot baseball.
The family moved to Wellesley, MA when Phil started high school. As the president of his class he had great friends and memories that he cherished throughout his life. At Middlebury College he met his future wife, Gail Knight. They both enjoyed their college years and often told stories to the grandchildren about dating in the 1950s! During their 72 years together, 65 of them married, Phil shared many adventures with the wife he adored. They settled in Needham, MA to raise their family and had many dear friends. As the kids grew and left home, they went to Martha's Vineyard to live full time on the island, where they had summered for years. They enjoyed the community of Chilmark and working on the Vineyard. After wintering in Holmes Beach, FL for several years, Phil and Gail eventually made Holmes Beach their permanent home where they enjoyed time with wonderful friends.
One of the greatest chapters of Phil's life was his years working for the Boston Red Sox as a Fenway Ambassador. In a career spanning 23 years with the Red Sox, Phil had the privilege of sharing his love of the game, Fenway Park and of the Red Sox organization with countless fans from far and wide. As one of the Red Sox first ambassadors, he was quickly nicknamed "Phenway Phil", a moniker he wore proudly as part of the organization's public relations team. In later years, when Phil no longer traveled north, and with his wife Gail as his assistant, he processed fan pack requests for Red Sox Nation fans around the world.
"Phenway Phil" lived out a dream scenario: working for and spending time with a team, organization and people that he truly loved.
He leaves behind his three children James, Jennifer Derick Hurley and Alison Derick Northcutt and their spouses Jody, Matthew and Emily.
In addition, he leaves behind six grandchildren that he adored: Michael, Christopher, Ryan, Meghan, Caroline and Theo and his great granddaughter, Alessia.
He is predeceased by his wife Gail, his sister Nancy and his beloved grandson, Jack.
Phil was interred at Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton, FL. Plans for a memorial service will be announced shortly.
In honor of Phil, donations can be made to: Safe Coalition, Inc. PO Box 434 Franklin, MA 02038 and www.safecoalitionma.org/donate
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
