Phillips, the son of a police officer, was born in August 1940 in Philadelphia.[1] He graduated from St. Thomas More High School and received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Villanova University.[2] While in college, he played varsity football and later returned to coach the freshman football team while attending law school. After getting his legal degree in 1966, Phillips worked for one-and-a-half years in the Philadelphia public defender's office. From there, he moved to the district attorney's office as a trial assistant in the organized crime division, and on to the homicide division until around 1971.[2]
Phillips' law office was located in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.[3] He represented the Transport Workers Union and handled legal matters for the top brass of the Carpenters Union.[3] He also represented about 30 athletes, which he maintained did not present any conflict of interest with his duties relating to sports officials.
In 1996, Phillips became the majority owner of Pilot Freight Services, based in Lima, Pennsylvania.[4] At the time, Pilot Freight was struggling to stay afloat in a sea full of transportation providers.[citation needed] Phillips was able to lead the company to the top of the industry, and by the time he stepped away from day-to-day management of the company, Pilot Freight Services was the largest privately held freight forwarder in the United States.[citation needed] In 2007, Phillips' son Richard Jr. became CEO of the company.[4]
In 1964, Phillips married Ellen Harrell; they had two sons and two daughters.[2] He died of cardiac arrest at his home in Cape May, New Jersey, at age 72 in May 2013.[1]