1
tree
planted in memory of Philip J. McBride
Obituary for Philip J. McBride
Philip J. McBride, 86, of Ludlow, MA, passed away on 8/5/21 after a brief illness. Phil was born on 7/17/35 to Philip and Una McBride in Letterkenny Co. Donegal Ireland. Phil attended St. Eunan's College in Letterkenny and soon after began working alongside his father at the Lough Swilly Bus Co in Letterkenny. Phil emigrated to the United States and immediately enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany from 1959 to 1962. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966 and was stationed at Westover Air Base in Chicopee. After completing his service, he began a long and successful career at Peter Pan Bus Lines in Springfield and served in several capacities including Driver, Safety Director and ultimately retired as Regional Manager of the Springfield Division. While stationed at Westover, he met the love of his life his wife Abigail at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club, and they wed in 1964, going on to have four children, his daughter Mary Tobin and her husband Thomas of Thurles Co. Tipperary, his sons Philip McBride III and his wife Kathleen of Longmeadow, Jeremiah McBride and his wife Carolyn of Belchertown and Sean McBride and his wife Meghan of Ludlow. Phil was immensely proud of his children, but his true pride and joy were his nine grandchildren. If you had the opportunity to have a conversation with Phil, it most definitely involved him proudly boasting of the accomplishments of his grandchildren. Maura, Colleen and Keira Tobin of Thurles, Maire and PJ of Longmeadow, Molly and Abby of Belchertown, Aidan and Grace of Ludlow. Phil was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Abigail who passed away in 2017 and his sister Kathleen. He is survived by his sisters Phyliss, Una, Sheila, Mary, and Angela who he adored and would call daily. The family of Phil would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Francis Murray and his Medical Assistant Liz for their care and compassion over many years. Additionally, the family extends their appreciation to Dr. Philip Glynn and the staff at the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center for the exceptional care and comfort that they afforded to Phil during his illness. Visiting hours for Phil are Wednesday Evening August 11, from 4:00-7:00pm at the Ludlow Funeral Home, 432 East Street. Phil’s funeral will take place Thursday August 12, with family and friends asked to gather directly at St. Cecilia’s Church in Wilbraham for a 10:00am Liturgy of Christian Mass, followed by burial with Military Honors in Island Pond Cemetery. It was the wish of Philips family that in lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to: Soldier On, to benefit the Western Mass Veterans Treatment Court at https://donate.wesoldieron.org or directly at 290 Merrill Road, Pittsfield Ma. 01201.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
11
Aug
4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Funeral Liturgy
Thursday
12
Aug
10:00 AM
St. Cecilia's Parish
42 Main Street
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Cemetery Details
Location
Island Pond Cemetery
499 Center Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056
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