MSgt. (Retired) Philip M. Knudsen (Phil), 62, of New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 3, at home with his family by his side. Phil was originally from Miami, FL but his time in the military took him all over the world. In 1984, Phil decided that he wanted to serve his country and enlisted active duty in the United States Air Force. In the same year, Phil met the love of his life, Sue, and they would go on to spend the rest of his life together. Throughout a 22 year career, Phil was deployed during times of war and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant through his hard work and dedication. Phil was stationed at Patrick AFB, Charleston AFB and finally McGuire AFB as a Flight Engineer with the Second Air Refueling Squadron where he would retire from active duty and continue his service to his country as a civilian flight engineer instructor. 

Phil enjoyed the simple things in life including planning trips with his family, camping, fishing, golfing with his son Philip and listening to all of his favorite music with his daughter Kelsey. Phil was known for his love of music and died peacefully while listening to "Call Me The Breeze” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and his family asks that when you hear this song you think of Phil fondly and all the happy memories you shared together. Phil touched many people throughout his life and was known for taking whatever got handed to him in stride. Phil enjoyed laughing with friends and told others to stay the course and never give up, which is exactly what Phil did during his career and during his battle with cancer. Throughout his life, Phil wore many hats but one of his favorite was that of being pop-pop to his grandson Myles. 

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Sue of 38 years; son Philip G. Knudsen of New Jersey; daughter Kelsey Knudsen of New Jersey; his sister Laura (Knudsen) Brown of Florida; brother in law Michael Brown of Florida; sister in law Lisa Deming of Florida; daughter in law Alice (Grogan) Knudsen of New Jersey and grandson Myles Knudsen. 

A memorial service will be held at the Medford VFW Post 7677 located at 317 Church Road Medford, NJ 08055. The memorial will be held June 11, 2023 from 4PM-7PM. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Phil’s life and share your favorite memories and funny stories. 

In lieu of flowers, Phil wished for donations to be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The same can be done through the link that follows: