Marion Leigh Phillips, 80, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully with her three children by her side Nov. 4, 2021.
Born in Long Branch, Marion grew up in Little Silver with her parents George W. and Marjorie E. Ryser, identical twin sister Marjorie, and two brothers, George and Philip. Childhood was devoted to her twin sister and their horses on the small family farm where she acquired a love of animals, nature, music and gardening.
A 1960 Red Bank High School graduate, Marion began her career in the service industry employed by the United States Selective Service System, Red Bank. While there, she was recognized by the United States government for saving thousands of documents during a flood which inundated the Selective Service System’s offices on Broad Street.
She was married to R. Bruce Phillips from 1961 to 1982. They resided in Holmdel where they raised their family and together launched Holmdel Police Department from their home. As their three children matured and Holmdel Police Department established a permanent headquarters elsewhere, Marion became employed as vice president of Jafcee Security Agency in Mercerville and subsequently California Plant Protection, Van Nuys, California. Marion and Bruce parted ways in 1982.
Following participation in the security and public service sectors, Marion settled in Red Bank and founded Marion Security Agency, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2022. An extension of a childhood dream of owning a business, she portrayed innate pride in the organization and positioned Marion Security Agency among the best in the state. Respected for her sensitivity to the security officers, she was known for her generosity toward them. Her willingness to assist those in need brought joy to her and the agency. Marion Security Agency functions today as it has from the beginning, through the direct involvement of a management team sustained by Marion’s influence of pride.
A NJ State Licensed Private Investigator and Licensed Security Agency Owner, Marion held memberships with the American Society for Industrial Security, the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chief of Police, the NJ Association of Licensed Security Agencies, the NJ Business and Industry Association, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the NJ Licensed Private Investigators Association, and many others.
A former Sunday school teacher of many years, Marion was a lifelong member of Christ Church, Shrewsbury. Her family, home and business were her pride and joy. There was a story behind each piece of vintage furniture in her Craftsman home and office building, along with the plantings gracing the gardens of both. Marion was a lover of art and a collector of antique paintings and other antiquities; each area of her home and office had legends about the pieces therein. Her 10 grandchildren delighted in the stories “Nana” told and as adults still refer to them and her country music she fancied while playing the guitar.
Marion was predeceased by her father and mother, her brother George W. “Butchie” Ryser Jr. and wife Shirley. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Kathy and husband Tom Jablonski; Bob and wife Bunnie (Leftwich); and Penny and husband Dr. Victor Buccellato. She is survived by her twin sister Marjorie Durdack, brother Philip Ryser and wife Beverly. Missing their Nana’s inspiration are grandchildren Bobby Phillips and wife Megan, Hannah Phillips and Bryan Ottino, Danny Phillips and wife Jaimie, Billy Phillips, Jacquelyn Jablonski, Allyson Jablonski, Kathryn Jablonski, Tommy Jablonski, Brooke Buccellato, and Andrew Buccellato; two great-grandchildren, Bo Phillips and Zachary Ottino; her beloved dog Poppy; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews whom Marion called her children as well.
Marion also leaves behind a family of dedicated employees and friends at Marion Security Agency, numerous close business partners, and many dear personal friends.
A private burial at Holmdel Cemetery celebrating the life of Marion L. Phillips is under the direction of Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Memorial contributions may be made in Marion’s name to Somerset Hills Learning Institute School For Autism, 1810 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster, NJ 07921.
The article originally appeared in the November 11 – 17, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
