Lasting Memories

George W. Phillips
Feb. 21, 1950-Nov. 11, 2025
Castro Valley, California
Submitted by James J Phillips

George W. Phillips III died peacefully and unexpectedly in his Castro Valley home on November 18, 2025. He was 75. George and Read are owners of the Beets Hospitality Group, which was founded by Read in 1986, and of which their son, George, is now CEO. The business operates Casa Real and The Palm Event Center on Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton. George worked with developer Mike Callahan to build the two winery properties. George won an architectural award for his design of Casa Real.

George earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California College of the Arts, and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Washington. He worked as an architect with Al Chamorro and George Meier. He was also a passionate artist, and displayed his work at the Castro Valley Performing Arts Center earlier this year.

George is survived by his wife of 42 years, Read Phillips; their son, George W. Phillips IV and his wife Stephanie; his grandson, George W. Phillips V ("Cinco”); his siblings, Anne Duey (children Bill and Sharon), Jim Phillips (wife Melissa, children Katelyn and Jackson); his in-laws, Catharine and Ron Ratto (children Anthony, Andrew, and Robert), Robert Haden (children Emily and Margaret), Harriet Haden Arvey (children Sarah and John); many great-nieces and -nephews; and foreign exchange daughter, Renata Vello.

As a family, they often traveled the world together. From all his travels, George especially loved Nepal, which he visited multiple times, and was devoted to helping support young Nepalese women's education through the nonprofit The Small World USA.

George was known as a very caring and kind person, with a wonderful sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.