Ainsworth Phillips, affectionately known as “Phil” and “Pop-Pop” to his friends and family, was born on October 1, 1931, in Tableland, Trinidad West Indies, to Egbert Phillips and Camlyn Challiste.
Ainsworth spent his formative years in Tableland Trinidad. He attended and graduated from Arouca High School, after which he dedicated his life to hard work and the pursuit of success for himself and his family.
His journey began as a fireman in the Fire Brigade in Siparia, where he exhibited bravery and dedication to his community. Ainsworth's path led him to meet the love of his life, Lynn McCree, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage and raised a loving family.
In the early 1970s, driven by a desire to provide a better life for his family, Ainsworth immigrated to the United States. Armed with his talent as a skilled radio and television technician, he secured employment, earned his working papers, and later established himself as a permanent resident. Ainsworth's determination paved the way for his family to join him in New Jersey, where they built a life together in the central Jersey area of Plainfield.
Throughout his career, Ainsworth excelled professionally, holding positions of responsibility and leadership. He served as a foreman at BASF Corporation for 10 years, managing a staff of over 80 people, and later as a foreman for McGruder Chemical Company. After several years in the chemical and manufacturing industry he transitioned to the healthcare industry; he was employed by St. Barnabas Medical Center, in Livingston NJ as a Central Service Technician until his retirement in the late 1990’s.
Never one to rest on his laurels, in his post-retirement from the blue-collar world, Ainsworth established his own company, Phil's Exterminating Service, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success. After a successful journey in New Jersey, Ainsworth and Lynn returned to Trinidad to enjoy their well-deserved retirement in the early 2000’s.
In recent years, Ainsworth faced health challenges that led him back to Plainfield, where he spent his final days surrounded by the love and care of his devoted wife and family.
He is predeceased by his father Egbert Phillips, mother Camlyn Challiste, sisters Marjorie and Daphne Phillips and his daughter Kathy Cassandra Phillips. He is survived by his loving wife of six decades, Lynn Phillips. Eight children: Gail Indra Phillips-Brown (Dale Brown); Selwyn Phillips (Helen Phillips); June Sharon Camyln Phillips-Momoh (Abass Momoh); Kurt Ainsley Phillips; Terrance Michael Phillips (Christine Fowler-Phillips); Mona Watts, Darrell Watts and Darrick Watts. 13 grandchildren: Janelle Phillips, Ashley Phillips-McKenzie (Ryan McKenzie); Aaliyah Phillips; Troy Brown; Kurt Phillips II (Emily Phillips); Nia Phillips (Charles Thomassin); Marcus Phillips; Madisyn Phillips; Shanaika Phillips; Aaron Phillips; Joshua Phillips; London Watts, and Brooklyn Watts. Three great-grandchildren: Alijah and Rynia Phillips and Selah Joy McMillan. Four surviving siblings: brothers Kelvin Phillips (Ivonne Phillips); Hew Phillips (Toline Phillips); Glen Phillips (Ann Phillips); and sister Shirley Phillips. Ainsworth will be remembered for his discipline, confidence, unique sense of humor and unwavering devotion to his family and friends.
Until we meet again…