Phillip S. Jackson's Obituary
Phillip Steven Jackson passed away peacefully at age 86, surrounded by family, on December 4, 2025. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he leaves behind a life full of love. A soft spoken man of quiet strength, Phil was born August 25, 1939 to "Red" and Evelyn Jackson, growing up in Everett Massachusetts with his six brothers. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Claire Calareso, on October 5, 1963. They had two children, Steven and Sheryl, and lived in Lawrence Massachusetts, where Phil worked as a self-employed carpenter and served extensively in the church.
Phil was a great conversationalist. He loved to share stories with his grandchildren about his childhood antics. He would start a conversation with anyone he happened to meet and loved chatting about almost anything. Phil loved to learn and was self-educated, often reading books pertaining to history or medicine. He gave directions based on Dunkin’ Donuts locations and was always happiest with one of their coffees in hand. His family was the most important thing in his life and he always made it his mission to ensure everyone was safe and taken care of. But nothing rivaled the depth of his love for his wife, Claire. Throughout their 62 year marriage, he would leave love notes in various places to express how much he loved and appreciated her. Phil’s greatest gift to the people in his life was his presence - always acknowledging even the smallest accomplishment of his children or grandchildren.
Phil lived his life in humble service to God and the people he loved most, and he will be sorely missed. Phil is survived by his wife, Claire, two children, Steven Jackson and Sheryl Zuidema, their spouses, Nicole Jackson and William Zuidema, his four grandchildren, Sarah, Taylor, Steven and Hannah, his great grandson, Enzo Jackson, and brothers, Michael and Paul. He is predeceased by brothers, Jackie, David, Richard and Earl.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Phil’s life by gathering for his calling hours from 10 AM – 11 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Methuen Family Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. His funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Phil’s memory can be made to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/manh. For directions or to send an online condolence, please visit www.methuenfh.com.
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