Beth Phillips

Berlin, CT Beth Ann Phillips passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving siblings and long-time partner on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.

Beth was born August 21, 1956 in Waterbury, the daughter of the late Eugene and Elizabeth (Huber) Phillips. She grew up in Vernon, CT and graduated from Rockville High School in 1974. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Hartford Art School, and a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design in 1983.

With courage and enthusiasm, she moved to New York City and became part of the high-end art world inner circle. She started her own business photographing fine art. Photography projects included the work of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Francesco Clemente and many other artists, and art owned by celebrities and private collectors. Commercial photography projects included Coca-Cola, Disney, and Vanity Fair.

Beth was a beautiful woman, a talented and creative artist who enjoyed nature, movies and dinner, music, dancing, traveling the world to see art at its finest, and helping those less fortunate. She always said, “I am smiling and waving, and sending you hugs and kisses.” Lucky and blessed were those who truly got to know her.

Beth is survived by her sisters, Lugene (Dom) Kulpa of Tolland, Donna (Drew) Boucher of Tolland, her brother Paul (Lisa) Phillips of Middlebury, and long-time partner Thomas Calvocoressi of Berlin. Beth was a dedicated Auntie to her seven nieces and nephews and their children; Sara (Joe) Martocci along with Jackson and Mason, Stephen (Nicole) Kulpa along with Chase, Marissa (Ray) Culver along with Chloe and Emma, Jamison Boucher, Olivia Boucher, Marissa (Chris) Frois along with Cristiano and Sofia, and Paris Phillips. She is also survived by her daughters, Erica Schwab of Brooklyn, NY and Amanda Schwab of Ithaca, NY. She was predeceased by her baby brother, Dennis Michael Phillips.

Beth’s family and Tom would like to express a special thank you to all the caregivers at Companions and Homemakers in Berlin and Autumn Lake Healthcare at New Britain for their outstanding care. You all hold a special place in our hearts and we will never forget you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 10:00am at St. John of the Cross Church, 1263 West Street, Middlebury, CT. Burial will follow in Lake Elise Cemetery, Middlebury, CT. There are no calling hours and arrangements are entrusted to the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck, CT. In lieu of flowers and to honor Beth’s memory, donations may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at www.komen.org or to Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street, Hartford, CT 06106.