Philip Michael Zuchowski

ZUCHOWSKI Philip Michael Philip Michael Zuchowski, 16 years, of Temperance, MI died unexpectedly Sunday morning, April 15, 2007, in Toledo Hospital. Philip attended Jackman Rd. Elementary and was a sophomore at Bedford High School, where he played on the freshman golf team. Philip, "5-0", was born August 21, 1990, to Barbara and Raymond Zuchowski. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lottie and Joseph Zychowicz and Alfreda and Frank Zuchowski, and his cousins, David Schick and David Zuchowski. He is survived by his parents, Barbara Zuchowski and Raymond (Patricia) Zuchowski; his sister, Jane and his brother, Raymond. He distinguished himself as the 50th grandchild in the Zuchowski family. To know Phil was to know a unique individual. Phil seemed to effortlessly relate to people of all ages. His hazel eyes, his freckled face, and his dimples drew people in, and his good-natured sense of humor was his trademark. His home on Ernest Street served as a gathering place for Phil and his many friends who met for backyard pick-up baseball and football games and creek fishing or for indoor Texas Hold'em or videogames. Phil loved sports. He was a diehard Michigan State Spartans fan and loved the Indians and the Browns. He played on the Mt. Carmel softball and basketball teams, and he played and umpired 3B baseball in the Temperance area where his teammates affectionately called him "Philly". He enjoyed playing golf, especially at Bedford hills, where he worked last summer, and he liked the challenge of working to build his biceps at Super Fitness. He was also an avid outdoorsman. Camping, walleye and perch fishing with his dad, whom he jokingly referred to as "Mr. Lake Erie", were favorite summer activities. Phil excelled at bowling. He qualified for a spot on the GTBPA Junior All Stars, a traveling bowling team in the greater Toledo area. His doubles team won the Division A City Doubles Tournament with Phil bowling a 745 series. He finished third in the recent City Juniors Tournament, and he qualified for and was looking forward to bowling in the 2007 Ohio State Pepsi USBC Youth Bowling Championship in Columbus April 29. Proud of his 287 high-game, he was chasing after his first 300. He enjoyed competing, and he continually challenged himself to excel. When he faced temporary setbacks, rather than complaining about outside forces, he focused all the more on what he could do to achieve his goals. Phil had a true sense of sportsmanship. No matter how active he was with his friends, Phil always found time for his family. "Lad" enjoyed the traditions of holiday get-togethers and he could be found at the center of family gatherings. Phil's presence was a gift; his family and friends will miss him. Friends and family may visit Wednesday from 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the Bedford Funeral Chapel, 8300 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, MI where a Scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will begin Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Chapel followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Temperance with interment following in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Cystic Fibrosis or Ronald McDonald House or Charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com