Philip Sheats

SHEATS JR., PHILIP FRANCIS PHIL, 43, of Boston, MA and formerly of Washington, DC and Arnold, passed away on February 7, 2013. He was born on December 28, 1969 in Washington, DC. He grew up in Arnold, MD, and graduated from Broadneck High School in 1987. Phil attended University of Maryland in College Park, MD and later Northeastern University where he received a degree in Marketing with a minor in Psychology. After starting his professional career in the mid 1990s with International Computer Networks and Platinum Technology (now Computer Associates) in the Washington, DC area, he later moved to Boston and went on to work for Legato Systems, EMC and most recently Pegasystems in the area of program and field marketing of high end software and database products. Phil played highly competitive soccer at amateur events in London, Buenos Aires and Perth, Australia, and he was proud to have won a medal at the 1994 Gay games in New York. He later became the soccer marketing and press director for the IGLFA organization in the United States. After moving to Boston, his charm, energy and social networking abilities led him to found theNewSouthie.com which arranged monthly social events in a variety of South Boston venues. The membership eventually grew to over 1,000 and raised money for various local and national charities Whether at work or play, Phil will always be remembered for his smile, his engaging personality and his flawless comedic timing. He was a master creator of nicknames for his family and friends (always loved but not always flattering). Having a nickname from Phil meant you had achieved a special place in his heart and his life. He was adept at light hearted trouble making and mischievousness, invariably with a familiar glint in his eyes and an easy chuckle. Phil cultivated many faux alter egos and liked to engage in endless repartee to the delight of his friends. He was an avid music aficionado, and liked to listen to and assemble his own mix of music and burn them onto CD's as gifts. CD's from Phil were cherished and collected among his friends. He loved scary movies, any events related to Halloween, and was always looking for the next fun thing to do. He is survived by his mother, Mary Sheats of Arnold; his father, Phil Sheats, Sr., and his step-mother Marianne Sheats, both of Newport Beach, CA; his brother, William Sheats of Arnold; his three sisters, Christine Zoellner (Eric) of Annapolis, Carole Martin of West Virginia, Kathleen Sheats of Arnold; three nephews: Michael Jafari of Arnold; John E. Zoellner and Bradley P. Zoellner both of Annapolis, and many, many friends, teammates and work colleagues around the world. He was preceded in death by his brother Danny Sheats and niece Danielle Sheats, both of Arnold. Friends are invited to a High Mass 9:00 am, Monday, February 18, at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, 701 College Parkway, Annapolis, MD and a Celebration of Life afterward 11:30 am-3:30 pm at Yellowfins Restaurant, 2840 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. Memorial contributions may be made online to Phil's favorite charity: theTrevorProject.org. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com