01/09/2026
Announcing the passing of Francis Phillips, founder Phillips Precision Medicraft.
It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founder Francis Phillips. Francis passed away peacefully at his home on January 7, 2026, after a prolonged illness surrounded by his loving family.
A skilled machinist by trade and a man of great integrity, Francis built an extraordinary legacy from humble beginnings. In 1967 with his wife, Jeanne, Francis laid the foundation for what would become Phillips Precision, Inc. He started the business from the basement of their home where they kept a hand milling machine he refurbished himself. By 1969. They opened Phillips Precision Prototypes in 1972, a pivotal opportunity by Howmedica engineer Alex Khowaylo, led Francis to focus exclusively on the orthopedic industry, a decision that led to decades of innovation and industry firsts.
In 1989, the establishment of Medicraft as an independent company for cases, trays, and delivery systems solidified his impact on the industry. Francis had the unique talent and innovative mindset to bridge the gap between engineering ideas and real world, production and manufacturing like no one else. He maintained a reputation for delivering quality and groundbreaking solutions that transformed the early years of the orthopedic industry.
The Phillips Family is dedicated to upholding his legacy of excellence. Under the continued leadership of his wife, Jeanne, along with their two sons, John and Michael Phillips, and their daughter, Patricia Phillips Gonzalez, the company has grown to three thriving manufacturing facilities that employ hundreds of value team members all while remaining true to its U.S.-based manufacturing roots.
Francis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and everyone whose lives he touched, including those inspired by the enduring legacy he built.
A public memorial service to celebrate Francis’s life will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481. All employees business associates and community members are welcome to attend.
