Obituary of Philip Person

Phil Person, 87, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, due to complications from an undiagnosed mass in his upper chest, which pressed on his heart and caused internal bleeding. His passing was sudden, peaceful, and deeply heartbreaking for all who loved him.

Phil is predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Estelle Person. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Miriam Person; they shared 63 years together and were married for more than 60 of those years. He is also survived by his daughter Melissa Person, his son Jason Person, his grandson Andrew Kosse, granddaughter-in-law Vanessa Kosse, and great-grandson Samuel Kosse. Phil is also survived by his sisters Janice Streichert and Elaine Person, his cousin Vickie Mowinski, and his in-laws Allan and Doris Geisler, Phil and Wendy Geisler, and Natalie Meyerowitz, along with many more beloved relatives and countless dear friends.

To know Phil was to know brilliance, warmth, integrity, and a spirit that lifted every person around him. He possessed a mind that held the world’s knowledge and a heart that held the world’s kindness.

Often called a “walking encyclopedia,” Phil’s curiosity was endless and his love of learning unmatched. He devoured books, delighted in new information, and shared his knowledge freely—always with a spark in his eye. His daily crossword puzzle was more than a pastime; it was part of the rhythm of his life, a way to keep his remarkable mind sharp and engaged.

Yet Phil was equally gifted with his hands. He could fix anything, build anything, and solve almost any problem placed in front of him. He moved effortlessly between blue-collar and white-collar worlds, proving that true intelligence is practical, humble, and versatile.

Phil’s humor—lighthearted, silly, and perfectly timed—brought joy to everyone around him. Even the smallest joke from him could brighten a room and remind us that laughter is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Above all, Phil was a man of integrity. In Yiddish, we call such a person a mensch—and Phil embodied that word in every way. He was steady and dependable, working long hours and making countless sacrifices for his family without ever seeking recognition. He showed his love through action, presence, and unwavering responsibility.

Phil was deeply rooted in faith, Jewish life and community. He served as president of the Men’s Club at the Lake Hiawatha Jewish Center which merged with Pine Brook Jewish Center. Phil was active for many years at Pine Brook Jewish Center. His second bar mitzvah—a milestone he eagerly anticipated for a lifetime—finally came to fruition after delays from the Covid pandemic, and it brought him immense joy. His dedication to faith, tradition, and lifelong learning was unwavering.

Phil also proudly served in the United States Army National Guard. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor of Science degree and was an active member of the Parsippany Jaycees, contributing his time, leadership, and enthusiasm to community service. Phil was a true entrepreneur at heart. After successfully building and selling his own business, he re-entered the workforce and continued to excel as a highly successful business salesman.

As a husband, Phil was devoted and loving. As a father, he was steady, wise, and endlessly supportive. As a grandfather, he was spectacular—overflowing with pride. And as a great-grandfather, he was warm, fun, and cherished beyond measure.

Phil leaves behind a legacy defined not only by knowledge and accomplishment, but by heart—by love, integrity, curiosity, humor, and humility. He showed us what it means to be responsible, to be kind, and to live with purpose.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are profoundly grateful to have been loved by him and shaped by him. Phil was extraordinary, and the world is brighter—and better—because he was here.

May his memory be a blessing.

May his goodness continue through each of us.

And may we honor his legacy by living with the same integrity, curiosity, and love that he embodied every single day.

In Phil Person’s memory donations can be made to Pine Brook Jewish Center, 174 Changebridge Rd, Montville, NJ 07045.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Stephen J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 N Beverwyck Rd, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034. Friends may begin gathering at 1:30.  Burial to follow at B'nai Shalom Cemetery, Dewey Avenue, Saddle Brook NJ 07663. 

Shiva will be at Phil and Miriam’s house in Parsippany NJ at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 26 and Saturday, November 29, 2025.