Phillip W. Koskela, 73, of Southport, passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 18, 2023 with his loving family by his side. 

Phillip was born in Waldoboro on Oct. 10, 1950 to Raymond and Stella (Hamor) Koskela.

Phillip grew up in Waldoboro and attended local schools graduating from Medomak Valley High School in 1969. He then went on to attend the University of Maine at Augusta and the Southern Maine Community College Culinary School.  

After college, Phillip worked as a chef at The Thistle Inn in Boothbay Harbor from 1972-1973, The Washington Square Restaurant in Sanford from 1973-1974, The Inn Crowd North in Portland from 1974-1975 and then pursued his culinary career at The Rocktide Inn in Boothbay Harbor, working there from 1975-2013.

Phillip was proud of his Finnish heritage and its traditions.  He truly enjoyed working with his Rocktide crew of all ages and nationalities and loved being on the water sailing, “whalering” and “tugboating”.

Phillip also truly enjoyed being on the board and being president of the Board of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.

Phillip was predeceased by his parents and his cousin John Paddock.

Phillip is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Lou Koskela of Southport; daughters Aili Koskela Amundsen and husband Brett of Bath and Carrie Koskela and significant other Ben Tupper of Boothbay Harbor; sister Nancy Wilson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; cousin Patti Paddock of Sacramento, California; sister-in-law Anne Maher and significant other Dave Burnham of Southport; and nephews and their families of San Francisco, California.

There will be a private family interment held in the spring of 2024. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Phillip’s name to the Midcoast Humane Society, 5 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, ME 04011 or to a charity of your choice.  

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Boothbay.  To extend online condolences, light a candle for Phillip or to share a story or picture, please visit Phillip’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.