Philip Joseph "Muskie" Muscarello, Sr.

Phil was one of a kind....a devoted and loving husband, an adoring father, grand father, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and the best friend anyone could possibly have.  Anyone who knew him will certainly experience a huge void in their life. 

We will make it through this very difficult time through the strength that the Lord has given us and with all of our wonderful memories of Phil. 

Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with the company of such a powerful and positive figure in our lives and giant of a man for 77 years.

Born: Jul 08, 1931 in Born: Chicago - Resided: Baton Rouge

Died: May 23, 2009 in Louisiana

About: Catholic High School, Marine Corp., University of Houston, University of Southern Missippi

Obituary

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Philip Joseph "Muskie" Muscarello Sr. died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 23, 2009, peacefully in his sleep. He was 77, a native of Chicago and had resided in Baton Rouge for more than 70 years. Survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Mamie Jean Nicholas Muscarello, whom he wed on May 31, 1959; daughters, Toni Muscarello Tucker and Joni Muscarello Leggio, Baton Rouge; son, Philip Joseph Muscarello Jr., Baton Rouge; son and daughter-in-law, Samuel A. and Anne Tolivar Muscarello, of Placerville, Calif.; grandchildren, Lacie Leggio Brown and husband Matthew W. Brown, of San Antonio, Nicholas Alan Goff and Philip Joseph Muscarello III, both of Baton Rouge, Sarah Grace Muscarello and Michael Gerald Muscarello, both of Placerville; sister, Margaret Muscarello Konopka, of Chicago; brother, Anthony P. Muscarello, of Lancaster, Pa.; and numerous other relatives and very close friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Anna Muscarello; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Sara Nicholas; sister-in-law, Trudy Nicholas; and daughter-in-law, Pam Sloan Muscarello. Pallbearers will be Mike Stevens, Mickey Montalbano, Calvin Lindsley, Joe Wilson, Gerald Didier and Mike Reitz. Honorary pallbearers are John Hebert, Anthony B. Leggio III, Dr. Gerald Barber and Howard Reitz. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Monday, May 25, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Mass and funeral service at St. Thomas More Catholic Church at noon. Burial in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Phil was chosen All-City and All-State while playing high school football at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. He attended Mississippi Southern and played three years of varsity football as center. He was chosen All Gulf Coast Conference in 1951 and played in the Sun Bowl in 1953. His accolades included being chosen to play in the 1955 Hula Bowl, he was selected as the Chevron Lineman of the Week, was awarded the Breithard Athletic Foundation Award in 1951 and several other athletic achievements. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953-1955. Phil retired from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana after 30 years as senior vice president of marketing. Phil loved to cook for his family and friends. He specialized in Italian and wild game cuisine. His favorite all time unique recipe was his Phil's World Famous Deer Sauce Piquant. Phil was known by all for his entertaining stories most often shared at "The Patio." Phil loved his family, his friends and loved life. He touched the lives of many and will be missed tremendously by all.

An estimated 1,000 people attended Phil's visitation on Memorial Day , Monday, May 25th and Tuesday morning.  A funeral Mass was held at St. Thomas More Church.  Father Tom delivered a beautiful homily and personal letters were read from Mamie, Toni, Joni, Phil and Sammy.  Special song choices were Amazing Grace, Ava Maria and The Battle Hymn of the Republic.  Thank you to Michael Wayne Noto for helping to organize our 2 vocalists, DeShay  & Paul, also Jeff on trumpet.  Phil's burial at Greenoaks Memorial Cemetary was led by Father Tom and then an honorary military service began with active and retired members of the Marine Corp.  Two Marines met the hearst Daddy was carried in and slowly saluted him in the most precise and impecible method  have ever seen.  Taps was played perfectly and the American flag was folded and then presented to mom as she was asked if she would accept it "on behalf of the President of the United States of America in memory of our fallen warrior".  It was the most powerful thing I've ever seen in my life.  I know Daddy was so proud and we were too.  It was amazing and uplifting.