Newton, NH: Phillip Edward Ayres, 54 a resident of Newton for over 23 years, died July 14, 2021 at Exeter Hospital.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, son of Marie (Slavin) Ayres of Kingston and the late John Ayres, he was raised in Kingston and attended parochial grammar school and graduated from North Cambridge Catholic High School.

A member of Local #4 of the Operating Engineers Union of Medway, MA, Phillip was employed at Nicholson Construction Company, and spent most of his career in geotechnical construction, and was highly skilled at operating all necessary equipment; drill rigs and cranes. He also held a hoisting license and was a recognized diaphragm wall specialist and learned how to set up and operate complex slurry plants. He loved learning new things and enjoyed mentoring newer and younger coworkers, sharing his many years of experience and expertise.

Phillip attended the Rockingham Church in Plaistow and most enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. A Boston Bruins fan, he enjoyed playing hockey in a men's league in Haverhill and also enjoyed scuba diving, fishing, rock climbing, ice climbing and attending classic and antique automobile shows and he was especially proud to own his 1967 Chevy Camaro and 1972 Chevy Nova.

In addition to his mother Marie Ayres of Kingston, he is survived by his wife Rhonda (Silva) Ayres, a son Jesse C. Ayres of Bend, Oregon, two daughters; Nicole L. Ayres and her boyfriend Alexx Morrison of Providence, RI, and Casey L Ayres and her boyfriend, Patrick Lucier of Amesbury, MA, three grandchildren, Luna Morrison, Indie Lucier and Fox Morrison, two brothers; John Ayres and his wife Robyn of Raymond, NH, and Joe Ayres, a sister Elizabeth Johnson and her husband Troy of Kingston, NH and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH. His funeral service will follow at 6:15 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Building Pathways, a charitable organization that creates access for underserved populations to prepare for building trades apprenticeships, and family sustaining careers in the construction industry at https://buildingpathwaysboston.org/get-involved . To send a message of condolence to the family or to share a cherished memory, please visit: www.brooksidechapelfh.com .