IL SR1687

Joseph F. Philipps, a plumber and union member, passed away on June 28, 2014, at an advanced age after 75 years of membership in Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 597.

Served in the United States Army during World War II, enlisting before completing his apprenticeship and rising to the rank of major as a battery commander in the Coast Artillery Corps in the Aleutian Islands.

Became a national leader in apprentice training for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in the early 1950s, eventually serving as administrator of the United Association-National Contractors Association Training Trust Fund managing millions of dollars for a 9-state Midwest region until retiring in 1985.

Received the Francis X. McCartin Leadership Award in 1986 and the Martin P. Durkin Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 for distinguished professionalism and dedication to pipe trades training and craftsmanship standards.

Survived by 3 children (Barbara Hartigan, Joe, and Dorothy), 4 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.