A Mass of Christian Burial for Philip A. “Phil” Vachon will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Church in Watertown.
Phil was born in Boston to the late Philip J. and Helen M. (Kelly) Vachon. He passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 28, 2026. He was 75 years old.
Phil grew up on the South Side of Watertown alongside his sister, Elaine, who remembers him as her protector from the very beginning. Wherever Phil went, Elaine was usually close behind. Their childhood was filled with South Side memories: fishing in the Charles River, going to the pool, sledding on Parker Hill, and growing up in the neighborhood Phil would proudly call home for the rest of his life. As a boy and teenager, he was curious, funny, loyal, protective, and always handy, whether working on cars, caring for aquariums, delivering newspapers in Nonantum, or helping at Penguins ice cream shop, where he was trusted with the keys. The same qualities that defined him as a boy stayed with him throughout his life: he loved fiercely, protected the people he cared about, took pride in his home, and always knew how to make people laugh.
Phil loved his family, his home, the mountains, the ocean, and animals. A talented master carpenter and remodeler, he built his business with skill, pride, and care, leaving his craftsmanship in countless homes throughout Watertown and the surrounding area. He was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone who needed him, whether it was a project, a repair, a ride, or simply showing up. His friendships were lifelong, loyal, and built on the same steady care he brought to everything he did. He took great pride in his family, his faith, and the work he did with his own hands.
Phil was happiest when his family was together, laughing and joking in the home he loved so much. He often said, “I love it here,” and he meant it. Together, Phil and Joan built a home that became the center of family life, full of laughter, stories, familiar voices, and the steady comfort of being together. Over the years, he made his house and yard exactly the way he wanted them. He especially loved Christmas and took great pride in decorating his home with lights, creating a display that became part of the season for his family and neighbors. He also loved his Harley, enjoying the freedom, pride, and unmistakable rumble that came with it. He and Joan enjoyed trips to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, especially their all-hands-on-deck family vacations, as well as Ogunquit, Maine, and Cape Cod. Still, Phil always said he was happiest at home and did not need to go far from it. He was especially proud to be “Papa” to Liam and Tim, who brought him great joy. His family will miss his smile, his humor, and the many ways he made their home feel safe, beautiful, and full of love.
Phil was the beloved husband of Joan M. (Huliston) Vachon. He was the loving father of Stacy Vachon, Kellie Connelly and her husband Liam, and Adam P. Vachon and his partner Shianne Silvia, all of Watertown. He was the dear brother of Elaine M. Vachon of Watertown and the loving grandfather of Liam and Timothy Connelly. He is also survived by his beloved granddogs, Mo and Bear.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Church. Visitation will take place from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the church prior to the Mass. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Phil’s memory may be made to the Bob Galante Pequossette Summer Rec Program, c/o Lisa Vecchiarello, 33 Hillcrest Road, Wakefield, MA 01880, or by Venmo at @Vecchiarello-Lisa.