Philip E. Desjardins

Philip E. Desjardins was born June 17, 1948, in Westbrook, Maine to Walter and Cecile Desjardins. On June 21, 2022 Phil passed on at his home surrounded by his loving family after spending the last several months in Hospice Care. Philip was the youngest of seven children, Verna Desjardins (predeceased), Vernon Desjardins (predeceased), Jaqueline Desjardins, Patricia Desjardins, Sister Elizabeth Desjardins, R.S.M. (predeceased), and his brother Walter Desjardins. He was married to the love of his life, Einger (Napolitano) Desjardins for 50 wonderful years and had two children Jeff Desjardins and wife Kate; and Susan (his pumpkin) Desjardins and three grandchildren: Luke, Henry and Max who also share his love of baseball. Philip will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Philip was a graduate of Westbrook High School, Class of 1966 and attended Husson College prior to entering the work force at SD Warren Paper Company in Westbrook, Maine. Philip served as a Mason/Millwright and Union Representative at SD Warren for 20 years, before retiring. After retiring he pursued his love of baseball and coached at the collegiate level for over 25 years. This is when Phil earned the moniker "Coach D" and is still fondly recognized by that name today. Coach D's first coaching stint was at St. Joseph's College in Windham, Maine, followed by coaching stints at Westbrook College and then a final stint at Southern Maine Community College where he finished his coaching career in 2015. His coaching career culminated with Phil being inducted into the Southern Maine Community College Hall of Fame in 2019. Philip was very active around the greater Portland baseball scene coaching in the Twilight League, American Legion Baseball League and Little League over the course of his career. Philip's love and astute knowledge of the game lead him to become an amateur baseball umpire and served in that role for over 20 years at many different levels around Southern Maine. A few of Phil's fondest baseball memories included when he was part of the 1964 Westbrook High School Baseball State Championship team, and when he was the starting second baseman on the 1965 American Legion State Championship team. Additional highlights included winning back-to-back NAIA District Championships in 1991 and 1992 respectively and defeating the University of Southern Maine baseball team while he was the head baseball coach at St. Joseph's College. Other notable highlights included the opportunity to attend every game of the 2016 Major League Baseball World Series and attending the 2019 Major League Baseball All-Star game. As much as Phil loved his family and baseball, he had many passions, including listening to music and dancing with family and friends. One of his greatest passions was spending time in the outdoors, especially in the Fall. When Summer turned to Fall and baseball season drew to a close, his focus transitioned to Hunting Season where he spent the majority of his free time in the "Big Woods" of Maine. He was a natural woodsman and as much at home on "his spot" in the woods as he was on any of the baseball fields he frequented across Southern Maine. Rest assured that the white-tailed deer herd in and around central Maine will rest a little easier moving forward. Phil was an avid New York Yankees and Philadelphia Eagles fan and was loyal to all his teams, his friends and most importantly to his family to the end. He will be missed dearly. When one thinks about baseball, even a casual baseball fan, the name Babe Ruth will likely come to mind. Babe Ruth was and is one of the most recognizable names in the game. When one thinks about baseball in Southern Maine "Coach D" should be recognized for a legacy of positively impacting young players as a player, coach and umpire for over 65 years. I know Phil would agree with Babe Ruth when he was quoted with saying. "Baseball is, was, and always will be the best game in the world to me." A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Hyacinth Church/ St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Westbrook, ME in mid-July. A Celebration of Life will take place in October with more details to follow. We would like to recognize the support staff that Hospice of Southern Maine provided Philip and our family and express our sincere gratitude for their professionalism, guidance, and care.

Philip E. Desjardins

June 17, 1948 - June 21, 2022

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