Philip M. Chrusz

Philip M. Chrusz of Duxbury passed away on September 16, 2026 at the age of 84. He leaves his beloved wife Dianne D. Chrusz, his children Victoria DeFreitas and her husband Jon of Scituate, Joseph M. Chrusz of Plymouth, Erica LaFrance and her husband Ben of Duxbury, and his cherished grandsons Cole and Alex DeFreitas and Kurt LaFrance. He also leaves his brother, Dr. Mark Chrusz of Falmouth, and many nieces and nephews.

Phil joined the Marines in 1961. He often said it was the best experience an immature 18-year-old could have. He credits the Marines with instilling in him lifelong qualities that contributed to his success in his personal and professional life. Discipline, duty and responsibility being the most important! His tour of duty included playing football for the Inter-League service while he was based in Okinawa. After his discharge in 1964, he was ready for college again. He enrolled in Northeastern University, following his father’s footsteps. He was the starting center on Joe Zabilski’s Huskies. A neck injury in his junior year ended his playing days.

He met the love of his life, Dianne, at Northeastern and they were married for 59 years. Together they raised three children and are grandparents to three grandsons.

After graduating Northeastern with an accounting degree, he went to work as an auditor with Coopers and Lybrand. He then went to work for one of his clients, The Zayre Corp. His professional career continued to climb, and he retired when he was President of Wickes Lumber.

His grandson Cole credits him with his graduating from Bryant University. “Bumpa” would give accounting tutorials over the phone to Cole and his classmates when they had accounting problems they could not solve.

During his professional career he was an active alumnus of Northeastern University. He served on the Board of Overseers for many years. He was President of the Varsity Club, which was founded by his father, Joseph M. Chrusz. He was a “Husky “for life and passed that passion on to his children.

Phil’s greatest joy in life was his family. His second greatest joy in life was watching sports. He was an equal opportunity sports fan. It didn’t matter who was playing, men, women, kids, he watched it all. His friends loved to call him and talk about sports, especially football. He was the “football guru” to them. His wealth of knowledge for the game was impressive.

He was the proud grandfather of Cole, Alex and Kurt. He attended all their games and always had positive words for them about their play.

He loved the game of golf and enjoyed many years as a Member of Marshfield Country Club. He had the privilege of playing golf at Augusta National when he was with Wickes Lumber. As a golfer, he often said he could die a Happy Man after playing that famous course. He was a past member of North Hill Golf Club. He was an active member of Duxbury American Legion, Post 223 and was currently the Treasurer of the Duxbury Republican Town Committee.

Phil will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a Patriot and a Man for all Seasons and people.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont Street in Duxbury. Interment will be private.

Donations in his memory can be made to Duxbury Youth Football, by mail to P.O. Box 1272, Duxbury, MA 02331.