Herbert Philpott

Herbert Philpott obituary, Acton, MA

Herbert Philpott

Herbert Philpott Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Acton Funeral Home on Jun. 18, 2025.

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Herbert Francis "Herb" Philpott, 62, of Acton MA, died suddenly on June 13, 2025, while hiking Mount Greylock in Williamstown MA.
He was born on December 26, 1962, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of the late Herbert John and Sandra Simpson Philpott. Herb had lived in Acton since 2020, and previously lived in Waltham, Medford, and Canton, Massachusetts, as well as in San Jose, California.
He was the beloved husband of Sandra (Metcalf) Philpott, whom he married on April 12, 2008.
A 1981 graduate of Thayer Academy in Braintree, Herb earned his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1985, where he was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) fraternity. His professional life was spent in high-tech industries, beginning in California, where he worked for Steve Jobs at NeXT Computer and later at Apple. Upon returning to Massachusetts, he held positions including Senior Program Manager at Teradyne and Principal Consultant and Associate Director of Business Relationship Management at Wolters Kluwer.
Herb was a dedicated volunteer throughout his life. He served in several positions for the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation (AVC) for SigEp Alpha and was honored with the 2015 Distinguished Volunteer Award. A proud Freemason, he was a longtime member of Garden City (now Moses Michael Hays) Lodge in Newton MA, and was named Mason of the Year in 2023. He volunteered with the Cub Scouts in both Waltham and Acton, and served as Assistant Scoutmaster and Outdoor Activities Chair for his son's BSA Scout troop, Troop 1 Acton, and frequently supported his younger daughter's BSA troop, Troop 12 Acton.
An avid supporter of the arts, Herb was active with Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston in Waltham for many years, serving as its production photographer and performing in numerous shows, including 1776, It's Christmastime, Remembering the '40s, Say It with Music, and A Little Bit of Ireland, often sharing the stage with his wife and children. He also served on the board of the Acton-Boxborough Friends of Music (ABFOM).
Herb was a devoted member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Acton, and served in many capacities at every church he attended.
In addition to Sandy, his wife of 17 years, Herb is survived by his daughter Rosemary Parker and her husband Nolan, of Tulsa OK; son Ryan Philpott, 15, and younger daughter Katie Philpott, 13, both of Acton MA; sister Holly Costa and her husband Jim, of Cape Coral FL; sister-in-law Pauline Belmontet-Philpott, of Vieux-Boucau les Bains, France; and nieces and nephew Kayla Costa, Valentine Philpott, Emma Philpott, and Troy Costa.
A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton MA on Saturday, June 21, at 10:00am. Please proceed directly to the church. Friends are invited to attend, and colorful clothing is requested. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Herb's name may be made to "Troop 1 Acton" C/O Peter Murphy, 11 Faulkner Hill Rd., Acton, MA 01720, or to "Moses Michael Hays Lodge" C/O Steve Cohn, 10 Hemlock Terrace, Randolph, MA 02368.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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June 22, 2025

Jeni posted to the memorial.

June 21, 2025

Mitch & Shannon planted trees.

June 21, 2025

Eric Weidman posted to the memorial.

Jeni

June 22, 2025

Sending my condolences to his family and close friends. Reading his obituary was so encouraging for what a full and wonderful life is possible when you are kind and hard working. He was one of the young men in high school that I remember as being a really good guy. Clearly he only grew into an exceptionally wonderful family man as well. So sad to hear this. May your memories and love you shared with him eventually bring you just joy.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Mitch & Shannon

Planted Trees

Eric Weidman

June 21, 2025

Herb was so inspirational and fun. We will miss him.

Bob Littman

June 21, 2025

Herb was endlessly supportive an giving gentleman , he will be missed

Paul Goodwin

June 20, 2025

My deepest condolences to the family. Herb was a welcoming, kind and diligent coworker. He was a friend to many at WK and he is deeply missed.

Paul Goodwin

Single Memorial Tree

Qiang Yu

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Francine Cottone

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Steve Fradkoff

June 20, 2025

Herb will be missed.

Single Memorial Tree

Wei Liu

Planted Trees

Michael Barg

June 19, 2025

I had the honor of knowing Herb Philpott through our membership in the Garden City Lodge and later Moses Michael Hays Masonic Lodge, AF&AM, after I returned from overseas naval service in 2013. From the start, Herb impressed me as a clear thinker, steady, kind-hearted, and always willing to lend a hand when needed. He exemplified the spirit of brotherhood and service that Freemasonry holds dear.

Herb and I often shared similar views, including our political beliefs, and I came to admire his dedication, not only to our Lodge but also to his family and his work with the Scouts. I was stunned and deeply saddened to learn of Herb´s sudden passing while hiking Mt. Greylock with his scout troop. That he was engaged in an activity he loved, serving others as he so often did, offers a small measure of comfort amid profound grief; his unexpected loss is difficult to accept.

I remain especially grateful for the strong letter of recommendation Herb wrote when I applied to the doctoral program at Bentley University. His support helped me take that next step, and I´ll never forget that act of encouragement. As the full-time caregiver for my 99-year-old mother, I wasn´t able to spend time with Herb outside of our monthly meetings, though I wish we had found more opportunities to talk. Even in those brief encounters, he left a lasting, very positive impression on me.

To his wife, Sandra, and children Rosemary, Ryan, and Katie, and his sister Holly, please accept my most heartfelt condolences. Herb´s steady presence, generous spirit, and gentle strength touched many lives, including mine. He will be missed more than mere words can express.

With deepest sympathy,

Mike Barg

Leonard Gitner

June 19, 2025

I am so sorry of his passing I enjoyed eating with him in lodge he will be missed God speed my friend. Lenny Gitner

Single Memorial Tree

Troop 1 Philmont Crew - 2025

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Ken McCarey

June 19, 2025

Gina and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Many good memories come about when we hear the Philpott name. Are thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

Bryce Giesler

June 18, 2025

I knew Herb from SigEp fraternity conferences. He was always upbeat and positive about his experience. Such a sad shock.

Vishal Shukla

June 18, 2025

In Loving Memory of Herb

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our cherished family friend, Herb. A man of quiet strength and generous spirit, Herb played a meaningful role in our daughter Tanya´s scouting journey-guiding her path with kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support. His dedication to service and his love for the community served as a lasting inspiration to all who knew him.

Herb´s legacy of compassion, mentorship, and integrity will live on in the lives he touched. The Shukla family will always remember him with gratitude and love. We will miss him dearly.

Judy and Will Bigl

June 18, 2025

We will miss you at the family gatherings. Will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

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470 Massachusetts Avenue PO Box 882, Acton, MA 01720

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June 22, 2025

Jeni posted to the memorial.

June 21, 2025

Mitch & Shannon planted trees.

June 21, 2025

Eric Weidman posted to the memorial.