Philip Joseph Guenther Sr.

Guenther, Philip Joseph, Sr. (Joe) – 87 of Brigantine passed peacefully surrounded by his family on December 18, 2017. Joe was born in Pomona, NJ on January 27, 1930, and was one of eight children. He started his long career in the construction industry working as a mason, first for his father's company and then as a member of Local 33 and Local 5 Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen (BAC). In 2012, he was presented with the BAC Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of 50 years of membership. Joe was a highly skilled craftsman who specialized in plastering and worked on many of the major projects in Atlantic County. He earned the respect of his coworkers through his commitment to quality workmanship and his incredible work ethic. In 1962, Joe and his wife, Mary, moved their young family to the home he built in Brigantine, NJ. He loved the community and was very generous with his time and talents always volunteering to help Brigantine organizations with their building projects. As a member of the Brigantine Elks, Joe volunteered to help build the original Brigantine Elks Lodge. He also did masonry work for the Brigantine Rowing Club and for the restoration of the Brigantine Lighthouse. Joe was always available to help family and friends with countless projects in their homes. He loved attending any event that involved his children or grandchildren. Joe also enjoyed his many travel adventures with Mary and friends, and especially treasured visiting Disney World numerous times with his children and grandchildren over the years. As family was Joe's top priority, he especially enjoyed hosting family gatherings which included holiday dinners and summer barbecues. These events grew over the years as everyone enjoyed Joe's cooking as well as his personality and sense of humor. Joe is survived by his children Richard, Joseph (Eileen), Charles (Kathy), Philip (Lee Ann), and Maureen Baldwin (Bill). He is also survived by his brothers, William and James, and sister, Erma Mason as well as 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary (nee Mulligan) and his parents, Philip and Elizabeth (nee Thomas). He is also predeceased by daughter, Wanda; brother, Robert; sisters, Phyllis Hibbitts, Alice Pencak, and Mary Davenport. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Life Celebration and viewing for Joe Friday Evening December 22, 2017 from 6 to 8pm at Keates-Plum Funeral Home, 3112 Brigantine Ave Brigantine and Saturday morning From 9:15 to 10:15am at St Thomas Church, 331 8th Street South Brigantine. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30am. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing. To share your fondest memory of Joe please visit www.keatesplum.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Joe's memory to the Brigantine Elks Lodge Children's Charities P.O. Box 44, Brigantine, NJ 08203 or the Brigantine Rowing Club Youth Rowing Program 24 Kirkwood Circle, Brigantine NJ, 08203.