Phillip Louis Schirico

1945 - 2002

Phillip Louis Schirico, 56, who was always a giving, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, went to his Father's arms Friday, Jan. 4, 2002, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial: Noon Monday at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. The Rev. Msgr. Larry Prichard, celebrant, assisted by Deacon Ken Reisor. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Sparkman Hillcrest, followed by a prayer vigil led by Rev. Msgr. Larry Prichard.

Memorials: In memory of Phillip Schirico, Baylor Health Care Foundation, 3600 Gaston #100, Dallas, Texas 75246.

Phillip Schirico was born Nov. 3, 1945, in Manhattan and was reared in the Bronx, N.Y. He served in the U.S. Air Force and fought in the Vietnam conflict.

Phil gave generously of himself and his love to so many people, touching numerous lives. His motivation and inspiration will be missed by anyone who knew him.

He worked in the hardwood lumber business for more than 30 years and was a mentor to many. He and his wife owned hearing aid offices in Dallas.

After surviving open heart surgery seven years ago, Phil served on a weekly basis as a volunteer at Baylor Hospital through the Caring Hearts Program and Cardiac Rehabilitation. He enjoyed billiards and collecting and restoring old cars. He was a member of the Over the Hill Gang Car Club and the Prowler Owners Association. An avid Yankee fan, Phil will be residing near his childhood idol, Mickey Mantle, at Sparkman Hillcrest.

Survivors: Wife, Debbie Fuselier Schirico; son, Daren Phillip Schirico and wife, Gina Hearne; daughter, Kim Marie Schirico Catalano and husband, Robb David; grandchildren, Ashley Michele Schirico, Kyle David and Kaden Phillip Catalano, all of Fort Worth; brother, Emmanuel Falcaro and wife, Anita, of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; in-law, Louella and J. David Fuselier; sisters-in-law and husbands, Linda and Jerome Alesi, Martha and Mark LeFevre and Madeline and Fernando Flores, all of Lafayette, La.; brother-in-law, David Fuselier of New Orleans; and many nieces and nephews and both sides of the family.