It is with great sorrow that the family of Derek Jon Phillips announced his passing on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA.

Derek was born in Goshen, NY on December 4, 1990, to David Phillips and Lisa Cleveland.

Derek was born with a rare affliction, Dyskeratosis Congenita, which had brought many obstacles for him to overcome.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dilan James Phillips and paternal grandparents, Donald and Mary Phillips.

Derek is survived by his parents and stepparents, David Phillips (Rose Galeano-Phillips) and Lisa Cleveland (Michael Tauterouff); daughter, Ava Phillips; brothers, Damian Phillips, Francisco Aguilar and Alejandro Aguilar; nephew, Sullivan Aguilar, maternal grandparents, Gary and Mary Cleveland; uncle, David Cleveland; loyal companion Kato; and close friends Biggs and Lacey. Derek will be missed by all those whose life he has touched.

Friends may call at the Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 W Harford St, Milford, PA on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 12 to 1 PM.

Graveside services will follow at 1:30 PM at the Milford Cemetery, Milford, PA with Rev. Keith Raser officiating.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 W Harford St, Milford, PA 18337 (www.stroyanfuneralhome.com).