Philip Frank Botto

1931 - 2022

Philip Frank Botto, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away after a brief illness on November 28, 2022, at the age of 91.

He is predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Anne Marie Botto, his father, Vincent David Botto, his mother Mabele Botto, his brother, Vincent Mitchell Botto, and his sister, Martha Dale Davis.

Phil was devoted to his family and is lovingly remembered by his two sons, Rick Botto and Tony Botto (Grace), his eight grandchildren, Julie Botto, Benjamin Botto, Jeremy Botto, Haley Rivas, Will Botto, John Spake, Alex Smythe and Jackson Botto, as well as 13 great grandchildren. He is dearly remembered by his nephews, Carter Davis and Steve Botto, his niece, Stephanie Martin, as well as 2 great nieces and 2 great nephews.

Phil graduated from Christian Brothers High and attended college at the University of Saint Louis, eventually graduating from the University of Memphis with a degree in accounting. He worked briefly at the family business, Botto Toy Co., in downtown Memphis. He then joined Memphis Furniture Manufacturing Co. in the credit department, eventually becoming their credit manager. He was instrumental in the computerization of the company and rose to the position of Comptroller. He briefly served as the Director of the Brooks Museum of Art before joining the faculty at State Technical Institute as an instructor of Computer Sciences for 11 years until his retirement.

Phil was rarely idle and was an avid enthusiast of many activities. He was a member of the Ham Radio Club of Memphis and enjoyed meeting people across the globe. He was an expert model builder but excelled at large model airplanes and was a member of the local RC club, The Memphis Prop Busters. He became a Master Gardener and taught classes in digital photography. He and Anne Marie often took road trips on his Honda Goldwing motorcycle. He became a pilot and especially enjoyed stunt flying. Phil was a lifelong fisherman who shared his joy and wisdom with his children and grandchildren. A devout member of the Catholic church, he served as a counselor and Eucharistic minister and participated in and taught at Cursillo retreats with Ann Marie for many years.

Phil lived a long and fruitful life and was loved and admired by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Funeral services will be held at The Catholic Church of the Incarnation in Collierville, Tennessee on January 6, 2023. There will be visitation at 10am followed by a service and interment of ashes at 11am. There will a reception afterward.