It is with sadness that we learned of the death of longtime member Philip H (Phil) Bilodeau who passed away on January 5, 2026 due to complications from emergency surgery. Phil’s involvement with NHWWA, where he made numerous friends, spanned several decades. He rarely missed a Technical Meeting and was present at many other events. But his involvement did not end there. He served on the Board of Directors for many years, and as President from 2009-2010. He was also a member of the Legislative Action Committee. And most importantly, Phil was always there to lend a helping hand – be it arranging meeting locations, helping to organize events, or assuring that things ran smoothly.
Phil was born in Manchester on October 25th, 1948 to Normand Bilodeau and Denise (Breton) Bilodeau. He graduated from Manchester Bishop Bradley High School where he excelled as a defensive end on the football team, earning the honor of being selected for the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, but more importantly, where he met the love of his life – Joan.
Phil earned a 4-year scholarship to East Carolina University (ECU) in North Carolina to continue playing football, and was voted a North Carolina all state athlete. At ECU he graduated with a degree in physics.
After graduating from college, Phil was drafted into the Army where he served as a Military Police Officer at the DMZ in Korea. Given has ability to speak French, he was chosen to be the personal guard and driver for the Swiss Delegation. Upon returning home from the service, Phil earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from UNH, and began working for the NH Water Supply and Pollution Control Commission. He also eventually earned a master’s degree in business leadership from Franklin Pierce University.
Phil and Joan married in 1969. In 1974 they bought property in Deerfield and during the 1970’s built a handsome home and created a woodland sanctuary with beautiful gardens, and raised their two children Aimee and Ben. Phil and Joan remained partners for 56 years, and during that time not only raised their children, but also nurtured lasting friendships, and helped to strengthen the Deerfield community. Phil served on the Planning Board, Forestry Committee, and was currently the Chairperson of the Cemetery Trustees. Joan and Phil travelled often, and loved Ireland, Quebec City, North Carolina, and especially the coast of Maine.
Phil had a long career working for the City of Concord, first in the engineering department, and then the General Services Department, retiring in 2016 with the title of Deputy Director of Public Works. In retirement he managed a large-scale water treatment plant project in Saco, Maine, and worked as a construction supervisor on a new pumping station at the Concord Water Treatment Plant. Throughout his career, Phil built lasting personal and professional relationships that he maintained long after retirement.
Phil was a supportive father and grandfather, always present at school and other events. Most recently he could be found at the sidelines of all his grandson Owen’s athletic events.
Phil is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Aimee, son Ben, and other family members.
Phil will always be remembered for his kind heart, and his life philosophy; give back, do your civic duty, and leave the world better than you found it. He will be missed by all those who were fortunate to have known him.
Photo: Phil (left) sporting his signature bowtie as he receives an award from Chris Hodgson at the 2017 Joint NEWWA/NHWWA meeting.