Philip Lenhart
1951 - 2020
Philip Lenhart
1951 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1951
DIED
2020
Philip Lenhart Obituary
Phil was born in Defiance, Ohio, to Francis and Virginia (Vaughn) Lenhart on December 19, 1951. He graduated from Defiance High School, and recently enjoyed reconnecting with friends at his 50th year class reunion. Phil graduated from Defiance College in 1973, where he was active in student government, led the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and was known for his spirited parties. He married Sally Jaeger in 1976, and proceeded to work for Aetna before starting his own financial services company, from which he retired in 2017. He was most proud of his family, for whom he was a constant presence and a pillar of support. Phil was known for his kindness to others and his good humor. He was fiercely loyal to his principles and always looked out for others who could not look out for themselves.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sally; his daughter, Katherine Grace (Eric Apger) of New York, New York; his son, Alexander Stewart of Rocky River, Ohio; his sisters, Mary Bernabucci (David) of Alexandria, Virginia, Sarah Pezalla (Dr. Edmund) of Wethersfield, Connecticut, Dr. Martha Lenhart (Dr. James Cox) of Silver Springs, Maryland, Rebecca Stork (Dan Schindler) of Ney, Ohio, Roberta Burke (Michael) of Arlington, Virginia, and Virginia Bell (Mark) of Jensen Beach, Florida; many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces; brother-in law, Stewart Jaeger of Plainville, Connecticut; and special friends, Kathy Koch and Delbert Hammond, both of Defiance, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Tamera Sue Lenhart and Amy Joan Scharff (Gary).
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 24, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at Rocky River United Methodist Church, 19414 Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio. Interment will follow at Lakewood Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 23, from 5-8 p.m. at Berry-McGreevey Funeral Home, 26691 Detroit Road, Westlake, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Phil's life may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123-1718.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Josephson
January 8, 2024
It's been four years since losing my best friend.
From fraternity days at Defiance College and throughout the years Phil was a guy you could always easily talk and spend time with.
Will never forget the honor it was when he asked me to be his Best Man.
And his strength was he never changed, same guy he was in 1971. Same humor, demeanor, presence, depth, combined intelligence and wisdom, good natured, finding the humor in life, honest, truthful, humble, gracious, all topics on the table for discussion, loyal, dependable, charismatic, and committed.
Tells me at the end of the 1973 college year if he makes it to Boston he'll look me up. One day my mom calls to me upstairs, There's a boy named Phil Lenhart who says he knows you. I come downstairs and Phil said "I just happened to be in the area."
I know by now they don't come along as genuine as Phil very often.
Was fortunate our paths happened to cross.
A pic of Phil painting the frat house wall in either 1974 or 5.
Bill Josephson
January 8, 2021
I miss my best friend, Phil. Irreplaceable. Friends since college days. Best man at his and Sally's wedding. My Brother.
I believe anyone who knew, or could have known, him could easily recognize the special qualities he possessed.
Genuine. Sincere. Selfless. Highly intelligent and instinctive. Insight. Honest and trustworthy. Character. Humorous/funny. Remarkable story teller. Free spirit. Optimist. Disarming demeanor.
But more than anything Phil said in the 49 years I knew him was his true specialness and what I'll remember was how he made people feel. Important and special through his friendliness.
My memory of Phil will always be ultra positive, with a smile. No one like him.
Susan Olmstead
January 23, 2020
Paul, Tim, and I were all so sorry to hear this terribly sad news. Our deepest condolences to you all. May you know the Lord's peace and hope even as you grieve.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Bill Josephson
January 17, 2020
My deepest condolences to the entire Lenhart family. I've known Phil and Sally for almost 50 years stretching back to college days meeting Phil during the rush process with Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Much to say about my dear friend, Phil, but will keep it brief. Phil Lenhart was my brother the day I met him at Sig Ep.
Never thought or said that about anyone else I've met.
Jim and Margo Morrow
January 16, 2020
What a man! What a person! What a loss. He was so special to so many - by his kindness, humor, and wonderful laugh. We will miss him.
Jim and Margo
Trutko
January 16, 2020
So very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Condolences to his entire family. The last time that I saw Phil was on a sunny, warm September afternoon; along with Sally, we were sharing a beverage & good conversation on their Lakeside porch. I also remember standing with him at many soccer games, be it in pouring rain or sweltering sun. what good memories. Thoughts & prayers to Sally, Alex & Katherine.
Roberta Trutko
This man was a true friend to me. He stood for what was right and had a heart of gold. He was someone who impacted my life in a very positive way and
Jeremy roehrig
January 15, 2020
Buffie Kramer
January 15, 2020
Sally and family,
I am shocked by the news of Phils passing. As you know, my first couple of years at DC were spent with the Sig Eps and I will always treasure those memories made with Phil and everyone else!
Many years passed and I was blessed to be able to see you both at the 2nd reunion and rekindle old times! My thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family.
Roberta Vogelsong
January 14, 2020
My deepest Sympathy to all of you. My friend Vicky Lieswyn (Gustwiller) & I would always stop and talk with Philip on our walk as he was working on the houses. He had a Great sense of humor and was a very hard worker. May God comfort all of you and bless you with strength for the days ahead. God Bless all of you. I am keeping you in my prayers.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
26691 Detroit Road, Westlake, OH 44145
Make a Donation
in Philip Lenhart's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Philip's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Philip Lenhart's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
