Philip E. Anthony, Jr.

Philip Anthony Jr.

Philip E. Anthony Jr., 73, a lifelong resident of Jewett City, CT, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 28, 2025. He was born on December 20, 1951, the son of Philip E. Anthony, Sr. and Louise (Najjar) Anthony.

Philip graduated in 1975 from Central Connecticut State College with a BA in Business Administration. Upon his father’s sudden passing in 1976, he immediately took over the operation of the family hardware store, Anthony’s Hardware, and the family real estate ventures. His brother Ronald soon joined him, and together they managed the store for nearly fifty years.

Philip served as First Selectman of Griswold from 2007 to 2013. During this time, he worked tirelessly to provide fiscal stability and civic pride to the town of Griswold. His business leadership and interpersonal skills resulted in numerous grants and an improved town credit rating.

A lifelong lover of the beach, Phil cherished his time at the Anthony family cottage in Misquamicut, RI. He was also intensely proud of his Lebanese heritage, and excelled at his Lebanese cooking skills. He loved his family deeply and looked forward to each opportunity to visit with them.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara (Anthony) Olson and her husband Bruce of Naples, FL, and his brother Ronald Anthony and his wife Laureen of Griswold. Phil also leaves his nephews, Anthony Olson of Tampa, FL; Bradley Olson of New York City, and Christopher Anthony, also of New York City; and his nieces, Amber (Olson) Amihud of Boca Raton, FL and Rachel (Anthony) Walker of Deep River, CT; and five grandnieces and a grandnephew.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church in Jewett City at 12:00 noon. There are no calling hours. Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home in Griswold has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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