Philip Brodhead Flagler, a consummate gentleman who spoke thoughtfully and smiled easily, died on Monday, April 20 at Medford Leas. He was 87 years old.
Phil was born in Stroudsburg, Pa. on April 16, 1933. He attended Stroudsburg High School and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H. He received a bachelor of arts degree in theater from Wesleyan University. After college, Phil served in Korea working as a radio operator for the army.
He met Marilyn, his wife of 63 years, when both were sailing instructors on Long Beach Island. After a brief courtship, the couple were married in 1957 and settled in Medford. When their family grew to include three boys, they moved to Moorestown where Phil was actively involved in the First Presbyterian Church and ran the local United Way chapter. During this time, Phil worked for Smith Kline & French and Media Systems Corp. honing his skills as a talented publisher. When not working or volunteering, Phil explored his passion for planes by learning to fly, which allowed him to join his family in Maine for their annual camping vacations.
The family moved to Summit in 1975, and Phil became director of medical dducation for Ciba-Geigy. During his tenure, he was the Executive Publisher of Dr. Frank Netter’s “Atlas of Human Anatomy,” which is still widely used in medical schools and hospitals today. He was also president of the Rotary Club of Summit and sang tenor in the Maplewood Glee Club.
Phil spent his childhood summers in Beach Haven and was most at peace on or near the water. He was a lifelong member of Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, teaching multiple generations how to appreciate the art of sailing and the beauty of Barnegat Bay. He served LEHYC in many capacities, including as Commodore in 1974 as well as being instrumental in founding the Mordecai Land Trust. He and Marilyn retired to Beach Haven in 1994 where he enjoyed years of chores, fixing things and simply puttering — three of his favorite pastimes. True to form, he continued to be active in his community, serving on the Vestry and singing in the choir at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Phil and Marilyn moved to Medford Leas where they joined many cherished friends, including a number from their days in Moorestown.
Philip is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Elizabeth; his brothers Stephen and Nicholas and his son Stephen. He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Buzby); his sons Tim (Joan) and Chris (Jana); his daughter-in-law Caroline (Stephen) as well his adored grandchildren Drew, Grace, Sam, Abigail and Virginia.
Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s name to Mordecai Land Trust, PO Box 1414, Beach Haven, NJ 08008 or at mordecaimatters.org.
