Phillip Garner Corby II, born on November 25, 1970, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 31, 2026, leaving behind a world that is a little less colorful, a little less funny and a whole lot quieter without him. Garner was a force of nature, loved by all who knew him. He had an enormous heart, an endless supply of stories and laughter, and more love to share than one person could possibly contain.
Born in New York City to Margit and Leigh Corby, Garner grew up with his family in Old Greenwich, Conn. His father, Leigh, predeceased him in 1991. Garner is survived by his two beloved sons, Breyden Leigh Corby and Sawyer Collins Corby of Nantucket, Mass.; mother, Margit Corby Baker of Nantucket; sister, Sarah Corby DeShaw; brother-in-law, Jerrod; niece, Brooks; and nephews, Fields and Webb of Burlington, Vt., to whom he was the ultimate fun uncle.
He also leaves behind an extraordinary circle of friends who were truly family. Their love and friendship, particularly their unwavering support of Breyden and Sawyer during this difficult time, reflect the many deep and lasting connections Garner built throughout his life.
Garner attended Greenwich Country Day School before continuing to Greenwich High School and then heading to Montana for college.
Vermont was also an important part of Garner’s life from an early age. He spent his childhood skiing at Stratton, and in later years, as his family settled in Burlington along Lake Champlain, Vermont remained a special place to return to and spend time with family. But Nantucket always had his heart. It was the island he loved, the place he was proud to call home and where he had the privilege of raising his two boys.
Garner’s greatest legacy lives on in Breyden and Sawyer, who will forever carry his humor, curiosity and unmistakable spirit. He was immensely proud of the young men they have become and the lives they are building. Being their dad was his greatest joy. He loved sharing the island, its traditions and its people with them, creating a lifetime of memories, laughter and stories that will keep his spirit alive.
Garner had extraordinary curiosity and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of just about everything. From New England flora and fauna to the mating habits of scallops, there was seemingly nothing he couldn’t tell you about (or provide a very convincing version of). He also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, who were never just pets but members of the family.
Garner was an extraordinary friend to more people than could ever be counted, with a gift for making everyone laugh, often until they cried. He loved big family meals, gathering everyone for cake on “Garner Day,” long days at the beach and, of course, cooking. A master griller and proud pickle connoisseur, he showed his love through food. His much-anticipated pickle venture, “Phil’s Dills,” was always just on the verge of its big launch. These gatherings, surrounded by the people and places he loved, were when Garner was happiest.
The outpouring of love, stories and memories from friends near and far is a testament to the extraordinary number of lives Garner touched. We take great comfort in that love and in the memories that will keep him close. A celebration of Garner’s life will be held on Nantucket in late spring or early summer.
Those wishing to honor Garner’s memory may consider making a donation to one of the following organizations, each reflecting his deep love of nature and his enduring connection to Nantucket and its preservation: Nantucket Land Bank (by check to Nantucket Land Bank, 22 Broad St., Nantucket, MA 02554) or Nantucket Coastal Conservancy (savenantucketbeaches.org/take-action).