Philip E. Chalmers,92, husband of Susan King, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at his home in Rockport with his family by his side.
Phil was born in Boston, MA and was the last remaining child of Edwin and Katherine Chalmers. He was pre-deceased by his first wife Sheila Chalmers along with his siblings Robert Chalmers, Dorothy Clark, Evelyn Harrington and his twin brother Donald Chalmers.
He served in the United States Army as a radio operator in Japan after World War II before setting down roots in Rockport where he and Sheila raised 4 children and where they met countless friends. His first job after moving to Rockport was at Gloucester Engineering where he was the controller for 15 years. He made many life-long friends while employed there, many of whom became clients in his next endeavor. In 1975 he became a CPA and started his own accounting firm that is still in existence today. His hard work, honesty, attention to detail, and his genuine affection toward his clients were all traits that allowed his practice to flourish.
Phil was a beloved Honorary member of the Rockport Rotary where he earned the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award for outstanding contributions to the community. Celebrating 48 years of Rotary service last month, Phil was the epitome of Service Above Self. For many years he served as Treasurer and Sargeant-of -Arms. He will continue in our hearts to be a shining example of dedication, kindness and integrity to all Rotarians.
Among his many contributions to the community was the establishment of Rockport Youth Hockey Association which he started along with his friend and neighbor Ron Harnish. This organization introduced hundreds of kids from Rockport to hockey and is still operating as Cape Ann Youth Hockey, which serves hundreds of boys and girls. As one family friend recently said “They were the godfathers of hockey” in Rockport. Rockport was a better town because of Phil. He served on several boards at Granite Savings Bank and the Sandy Bay Historical Society.
In addition to his wife, Sue King, he is survived by his children, Larry and his wife Allison, Steven, Donald and his wife Annette and Laura Bray and her husband Jay. His grandchildren Elizabeth Fabbri, Amanda Chalmers, Billy Chalmers, Katie Bray, Sara Bray, Christina Chalmers and Eric Chalmers were all a great source of pride to him. He could often be found at ball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts and hockey rinks all over the North Shore and beyond. He was their biggest fan!
A graveside service will be held at Beech Grove Cemetery, 90 Pleasant Street, Rockport, on Friday, December 19, at 11AM. A Celebration of Life will follow at Cruiseport Gloucester, 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Rotary Club of Rockport, P.O Box 54, Rockport, MA 01966.
