Philip Joseph Lauterbach passed away March 3rd, 2024, just shy of his 93rd birthday during an early celebration with family, surrounded by his loved ones. Born March 7, 1931 to his parents Sebastian and Marie, he was the fourth of six children including Sebastian, Betty, Anne, Jack, and Billy.

Phil grew up in Westport, CT and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the US Army Airborne, 11th Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He married Joan Ward Lauterbach, the love of his life, in 1958, and built their home in Redding, CT. A bit of a rebel, Phil found success working for himself and soon started Lauterbach Inc. Phil and his brother Jack ran their own business together with 50 plus years of success. They had an exceptional partnership and were two of the most honorable people you would ever have the pleasure of meeting. Their business was guided with strong ethical values, developed through hard work and honesty, which in turn has rubbed off on his family.

He had an infectious personality, immeasurable sense of humor and told a story like no other. With his personable nature you couldn't help but fall in love with him. To this day, Linda, Patti and Paul's friends consider Phil to be their second father.

If you knew Phil, you knew he was an avid clammer…who could, and would, out-clam anyone, and we mean anyone. He also may, or may not have, thrown a few extra clams then were allowed in his basket, just for good luck.

He also loved his blue crabs. Younger Phil crabbed every day on the Saugatuck River and would sell his crabs for 5 cents a piece. He loved to tell his infamous story about the biggest crab he ever caught, so big the legs dangled clumsily over the net, and in a devastating turn, he lost the crab. He searched for that beloved crab all day, but to no avail. This was of course talked about for years and years and years.

He was a competitor in all things from horseshoes to corn hole, always needing to win and always doing just that. He was a magician on the backhoe and few things made him happier than his big machines, a good cigar, a healthy fire in his fireplace, and a perfectly grilled burger. A true "man of the soil," just last year he dug up his entire front yard to plant a vegetable garden with his son-in-law Jack.

Phil Lauterbach's family and faith were the most important aspects of his life. He never missed mass, no matter the circumstance, loved his family deeply and aspired to be the best person and son of God he could be. He was an extraordinary brother, husband, father, father-in-law and Poppie. Phil will be profoundly missed by his three children Linda, Patty, and Paul and their spouses Jack Croughwell, Buddy Carroll, and Carol Lauterbach; his grandchildren Ian (Aly) Courtney (Chris), Ryan, Cassie (Rob), Kylie (John), Olivia, and Brett; as well as his great granddaughters Harper and Brynn, and the many lives he touched. He reunites with his beloved wife whom he missed beyond words.

We believe he achieved his goals and succeeded in all aspects of his life. We are so proud to call you ours. Philip Joseph  Lauterbach aka Poppie. Until we meet again, we love you beyond words and will miss you enormously.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 12pm on Monday, March 11 at St. Patrick Church, Redding, CT. Details can be found online. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to The Padre Pio Foundation of America (padrepio.com).

To offer online condolences please visit www.boutonfuneralhome.com