Asolo Repertory Theatre board member Howard Phillips dies

Asolo Repertory Theatre announced the death of board member and former president of the board Howard Phillips. He died in his sleep at the hospital Friday, Jan. 25.

“He has been an important member of the Asolo Rep family for a very long time and we will miss him greatly,” says Linda M. DiGabriele, managing director of Asolo Repertory Theatre in the email.

Mr. Phillips joined the Asolo Rep. board in 1999 and acted as president from 2003 to 2004. He chaired the corporate committee since 2006, working to increase the theater’s corporate donor base and was successful in his pursuits. In fact, he helped millions of dollars in contributions from the community with the motto: “We’ll deliver more than you’ll be giving to us.”

Mr. Phillips connected with corporate partners because of his background in investment banking, according to Tricia Mire, director of development.

Mr. Phillips and his wife, Carol, gave a considerable gift to the endowment campaign and were high-level donors to the annual fund. The couple supported FSU/Asolo Conservatory Students, and sponsored individual productions.

“They were involved and committed as any couple could possibly be,” says Mire.

Their involvement was far beyond fiscal support — for instance, the couple attended every production and the adventure trips.

“He was one of our stalwart Champions,” says Mire.