Philip Fred Townsend, Sr.

Philip F. Townsend, Sr., 87, of Lee, died Tuesday, December 20th at Kimball Farms in Lenox, with his wife and family at his side.

Phil was born on January 29, 1935, in Rockland, Maine, the son of Fred and Louise Pierson Townsend.

Mr. Townsend served in the United States Air Force with the 38th Transportation Squadron from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1957. On September 17, 1959, Phil married the love of his life, the former Sandra Drumm.

Mr. Townsend was an entrepreneur who owned various service stations in the area, which sponsored many local youth sports teams throughout the years. Almost everyone in Lee has played on or against one of his sports teams. Phil had the stereotypical salty “Mainer” exterior which veiled his deep and caring nature.

Phil enjoyed watching his favorite football team, the New England Patriots. He also enjoyed playing poker with his group of friends, going for walks or on rides with his wife, and boasting about his family.

Besides his wife, Mr. Townsend leaves behind his son, Phil Townsend, Jr., and his wife, Roberta; his former daughter-in-law, Kathy Townsend; his grandchildren: Rebecca Poliquin and her husband, Adam, and Bryan Townsend and his fiancée, Andrea Kirby; his great-grandchildren: Riley Aaron, and Abigail Louise Poliquin; and his beloved dog, Apollo.

Mr. Townsend was predeceased by his son, Jesse Townsend in 2009.

Services for Mr. Townsend will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Berkshire Humane Society, in care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.

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