Philip Boris Basser

BASSER PHILIP BORIS Beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, Philip Boris Basser passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023 after 105 years of remarkable life. He will be forever missed, but his lessons of how to live life with dignity, morality, generosity, compassion, strength and love will never fade. Philip was born on March 6, 1918 in Philadelphia to Fanny and Harry Basser. After his mother died of tuberculosis when he was only 6, he was placed in the Foster Home for Hebrew Orphans in the Germantown section of the city. He would cherish his time there and the deep and lifelong friendships he formed, while seeing his father on weekends and returning with chocolate bars which would be a staple of his diet ever after. His sister Rose passed from complications of appendicitis when she was only 8 so his early life continued to be marked by loss, but his inner fortitude and innate positivity never wavered. Phil was a true patriot. He served in the Army Corp of Engineers in World War II and then signed up for the Reserves upon his return. When the Korean War started he was summoned again for active duty and proudly served again. During his service, Phil acquired a small monkey called Skeeter. Sadly, Skeeter passed away in Japan but Phil was not deterred from acquiring Skeeter II who made the trip back to the US. Skeeter II proved to be a wonderful companion but also a true Curious George and wreaked havoc in his new environment. Ultimately, Phil had to donate Skeeter II to the zoo. While serving in the Army Corp of Engineers during World War II and then the Korean War, Phil's deep religious faith allowed him to go forward with resilience and strength. These characteristics would define him throughout his life and he never wavered even as he lost his beloved daughter Faith (for whom the Basser Center for BRCA at the University of Pennsylvania was founded) and then his beloved Pearl, his wife of over 65 years. In between the wars and after, Philip founded an eponymous industrial advertising agency, Philip B. Basser Advertising and worked with passion and creativity until his late 90's. Phil was responsible for many iconic local tv and print ads, including the infamous "Don't Panic, Call Atlantic" ad for Atlantic Transmissions. Outside spending time with his family and friends, Phil's true love was watching his beloved Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles. Phil started out rooting for the Philadelphia Athletics since his fandom pre-dated the existence of the Phillies but once the Athletics left town, Phil became a loyal and devoted Phillies fan holding season tickets for over 30 years. In 2018, during the run up to the Eagles victory in Super Bowl 52, Philip gained international notoriety and was a social media sensation when his passionate fandom for the Eagles gained him the moniker "Philly Phil." He was featured throughout the playoff run and during the Super Bowl and, at age 99, attended every playoff game and then braved the Minnesota frost and snow to attend the Super Bowl in person to root his team across the finish line for the first time in the franchise's history. Phil's inner strength, warm personality and positive spirit endeared him to everyone he met. But more than anything, he loved his family and they adored him. He lit up at the sight of his children and grandchildren and attended every performance, every youth sports game and every holiday celebration. He never tired of telling stories of his youth and his years in the service. His memory was astonishing and he could remember the smallest details of events that happened throughout his life. When asked what the secret to his longevity was, he typically attributed it to his routine of morning oatmeal, a healthy dose of chocolate, regular exercise, a good night's sleep and managing stress. Philip is survived by his son Steve Basser and wife Crissy, son-in-law Gus Calderone and fiancé Kate Berges, daughter Shari Potter and husband Len, daughter Mindy Gray and husband Jon, as well as grandchildren Ari Basser, Raquel Agee and husband Matt, Bianca Basser, Dustin Potter and wife Morgan, Cami Potter, Joshua Potter, Logan Calderone, and Margo, Emma, Stella and Tess Gray. He was also great grandfather to Chloe and Rosale Agee.