Tributes have been paid to a Newry stalwart whose business flourished from a famed fruit and vegetable stand to an established high street business over an incredible 80 years.
Gregarious grocer, Larry Phillips – formerly of Omeath – died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 4, 2026.
Larry was the man behind Phillips Fruit & Flowers, now based on John Mitchell Place in Newry, and run by Larry’s children.
Paying tribute to their beloved father, Phillips Fruit & Flowers provided a background to the business when it was first started under their green-fingered father’s management in 1946.
They said: “As many of you will know, Daddy started Phillips with a small fruit and vegetable stall in Newry Market back in 1946.
“He poured his heart and soul into it, and we are so proud that his legacy lives on today through the shop and the fourth generation of our family now working there.”
Recalling their fond memories of Larry as an employer, one person said: “Larry was my first part-time employer when, aged 14, I worked after school Monday – Friday and a full day Saturdays as the delivery message boy in Phillips’ fruit & veg shop in the market.
“Larry was an absolute gentleman, always full of stories. Great memories – Also his sister, the late Roseleen Murphy, was my wonderful ‘boss’!”
Others who had the pleasure of knowing him, recall him always having a smile and a laugh. A “gentleman” who took great pleasure in conversation.
Summarising Larry’s outstanding work-ethic, another said: “May the memories of Larry’s love and dedication to his family and business inspire us all to live our lives with the same passion and love”.
The Phillips family have sincerely thanked everyone for their “kindness, support and love” adding “it truly means so much to us during this difficult time”.
A death notice described him as beloved husband of Mary, loving father of Louise (Peter), Therese, Gail (Brian), Kerry (Tom), Brian (Grainne), Tania (John) and the late Donna, devoted grandfather of Caolán, Lorcan, Daniel, Grace, David, Isabelle, Kristian, Evan, Donna, Aebha, Sienna, Emily, Laurence, Mary and Ellen and a much loved brother.
His Funeral Mass will be held on Sunday at 11.30am arriving at Sacred Heart Church, Cloughoge for 12noon followed by interment in St. Laurence’s Cemetery, Omeath.
Donations are being gratefully received for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
