- OBITUARY
Philip H. McQuiston
June 16, 1966 - May 15, 2021
Philip Henry McQuiston, 54, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly on May 15th, 2021.
Phil was born to Albert and Rhoda (Melson) McQuiston and raised with his five siblings in Chester County, PA. He
graduated as class president from Great Valley High School in 1984 before earning a bachelor’s degree in
Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware in 1988. While at Delaware he met Leslie (Cole), who would
become his wife and best friend. The two shared an adoring marriage that thrived for three decades.
Phil was highly successful and well-respected in his career as a Vice President of Capital Projects at Wood, a
consulting and engineering firm. He managed many remarkable projects all over the world, including reparation of the
United States Pentagon after September 11th, 2001. Loyal and driven, Phil worked at the same company for nearly
30 years. He was goal-oriented and a natural leader, accomplishing just about anything to which he set his mind.
Phil had a positive outlook on life and was always on the move; walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, golfing,
weightlifting, skiing or scuba diving. He has run a marathon and once biked 100 miles in a day. Just this spring, he
hiked 85 miles on the Appalachian Trail with friends and raised over $14,000 for Alzheimer's research in the process.
He loved traveling the world for both work and pleasure; one highlight was a seven-week stay on the tiny Pacific atoll
of Kwajalein with his wife, Leslie, where they finally witnessed an Eagles Super Bowl win.
More than anything, Phil loved spending time with his family and friends, either at the family lake house in the
Poconos, the beach, or on camping trips with the guys. He was always at the center of the fun; joy and laughter
followed him everywhere. You could often find him coordinating games and competitions such as the Annual
McQuiston Horseshoe Tournament, as well as spontaneous field trips and nights out.
A true project manager in every aspect of life, he was known for leading those around him to accomplish a goal,
whether it was finishing the lake house basement or cutting down trees for firewood. He was capable of fixing
anything, large or small; it could be repairing the broken refrigerator or gluing a stained glass chandelier that
shattered into hundreds of pieces. When he managed to sit still, Phil appreciated the value of a relaxing evening by
the fire, a boat ride on the lake, a good history book, a nap on his recliner, a trip to Wawa with his beloved dogs, a
cold beer with his college buddies, the “Towne Court Studs,” or riding his son’s Razor scooter to Ryerss Hunt
neighborhood gatherings. Even in the darkest of places and times, Phil provided a steady and strong light,
illuminating and lifting those around him.
Phil is preceded in death by his father Albert M. McQuiston III (Rhoda), brother Jeffrey A. McQuiston (Celia), and
father-in-law William L. Cole (Elaine). He is survived by his cherished wife, Leslie (Cole); children Ali (Brandon
Smith), Susie (Sean Barry), Drew, and Kelly; dog and constant companion Bruce, and cat Little Jerry Seinfeld. He is
also survived by his mother Rhoda McQuiston; siblings Laura Ungerman (Bill), Sheila Sullivan (Paul Kidd), Bonnie
Haughey (Jack), and Michael McQuiston (Kathy); mother-in-law Elaine (Griffiths) Cole; siblings-in-law William Cole,
Thomas Cole (Michele), and Joan Isken (Paul); and his beloved nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service on Saturday, June 5th, 2021, at 10:00 AM at Saints Philip & James Church, 107 N.
Ship Rd, Exton, PA 19341.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Phil to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry WV 25425-9988. http://appalachiantrail.org/
“This has been a wonderful trip, but I am ready to get home.” - Phil McQuiston, 3/23/2021
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1966 - 2021 (54 years)
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