Remembering Leonard Phillips: A Kind Neighbor And Accomplished Automobile Mechanic

The NYPD told us this morning there are “no updates” in the home invasion at 379 Rugby Road on Wednesday morning, when our neighbor, Leonard Phillips, was shot and killed, though several neighbors have emailed to tell us that police told them, after being asked if any suspects have been detained, that the NYPD is “talking to someone.”

The Daily News reported yesterday that police sources said the men involved in the home invasion were looking to steal drug money from Leonard Phillips’ nephew, allegedly a drug dealer who had recently moved into the house. The NYPD has not confirmed this with us.

As this investigation continues, we want to remember Leonard Phillips and pay tribute to a man who was known for being a kind and gentle neighbor.

Dr. Andrew G. Oliphant, a dentist who has long worked at 1201 Cortelyou Road, told us Leonard Phillips was a patient of his for many years.

“He was sweet, gentle and always pleasant to my staff and myself,” Dr. Oliphant wrote to us. “Leonard was an accomplished automobile mechanic, and we would have great discussions about cars. I often saw Leonard walking around the neighborhood and we usually stopped and chatted a bit. He deserved better than to be murdered in his home. I pray he rests in peace.”

Another neighbor wrote that “he often sat on his stoop and always had a hail and hello to the neighbors that walked by. He would ask about my children, who are now all grown and rarely seen. For 18 years he was a pleasant, happy neighbor. I will miss him.”

Leonard, who was 69 years old, lived in the home at 379 Rugby that originally belonged to his mother and then was given to her children, his brother, Karl Phillips, told the New York Times.

Leonard’s family was originally from Jamaica, Karl said in the same article, and lived in Britain before moving to New York City. According to the Times, Leonard has two grown children who live in Britain.

If you’d like to share a memory of Leonard, you are welcome to comment below or here, as well as email us at editor@ditmasparkcorner.com.