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Phil Netto Obituary
Phil Netto passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 1st after a sudden illness, with his family at his side.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marie, his two girls Kelly and Kristy Netto, his granddaughter Whittaker Miller and his faithful companion Sulley. He is also survived by his brother David Netto of West Hills, Ca., and many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Edith Netto and his sister Loralee Kingdom.
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Phil graduated from SCHS in 1957. He attended Hartnell College, Cabrillo College and San Francisco State College. He then was drafted into the Army in 1962 and proudly served until 1964. His proudest memory was standing Honor Guard at President Kennedy's funeral, where he stood at attention for 16 hours straight. After serving his country he returned to Santa Cruz and began working for Lone Star Industries in Davenport, Ca. where he continued to work for 33 years. He met his wife to be Marie Maranta in 1964; four months later they were married at Holy Cross Church.
Phil's involvement in sports spanned over 40 years. He coached basketball at every level, girls and boys, sharing his knowledge of the sport that he loved, with patience, passion and a voice that could be heard throughout any gym in Santa Cruz. His involvement with Special Olympics was also very important to him and his family. After retirement he enjoyed tending to his flower garden, feeding his birds and being tortured by his beloved Giants. He had the gift for storytelling; even if you had heard once, he always made you want to hear it again. Phil also enjoyed riding around the Westside with his granddaughter Whittaker in his Chevy pick up.
Known to so many as "Coach" or "Big Phil", this gentle man, with a big heart, strong hands will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, September 6, 2010 at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz at 11:00 a.m. The Rosary will be held on Sunday, September 5, 2010 beginning at 7:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church. A committal service will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 2271 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Cross Elementary School, 150 Emmet St. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060 or Cabrillo College Woman's Basketball Program, 6500 Soquel Dr. Aptos, Ca. 95003.
Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz. Please visit our web site www.pacificgardenschapel.com to sign the online guest registry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phil Netto
Linda Dahl
August 29, 2022
Phil will always be remembered by me and my family for his love of sports and his family and his quick wit.
Larry Griffin
August 28, 2020
I want to thank y’all for share Phil’s memories with me. He played a huge role in my high school basketball career. His passion for the game was contagious and the way he could get the best out of ya.
Love Larry
September 10, 2010
To The Netto Family,
Having lived on Seaside Street with my parents, Louie & Vanda Degli-Esposti and brother Fabby, always talking and visiting with Phil have such fond memoreis of those days many years ago.
he'll be miss by so many
Bob Degli-Esposti
Rocklin,Ca.
John Smolarski
September 9, 2010
To the Netto Family, Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Phil - husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. May your memories sustain you through this difficult time.
From, the John Smolarski Family (Friends of Dave Netto family in SoCal)
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George Amis
September 9, 2010
Marie--
Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Michelene Netto Clark
September 7, 2010
Again, I put a entry for my COUSIN Phil....god bless the family and all at this time. I have not see Phil since I was a little girl.
September 6, 2010
A GOOD AND HONORABLE MAN......SO GIVING OF HIMSELF TO OTHERS. HE LEAVES A SPECIAL LEGACY ON THIS EARTH. BLESS HIM.
Tina & Charlie Gonzalez
September 6, 2010
Marie, Kelly, Kristy & Whit~
No amount of words can express the sorrow that we feel for what your are going thru, Just know with Family, Friends and God's help, time will heal. Phil will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart.
September 6, 2010
The funeral service was SO beautiful. Just perfect. Wishing you serenity and strength,
Cousin Kim, Craig, Sam & Hannah Bowers
September 6, 2010
Marie and family,sorry to hear about Phil. He always treated me well and always as friend.May God help you through this time of loss.I do know from the times Phil and I got to talk, that he loved his family so much .Sincerly Barry George
September 6, 2010
Marie and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Phil's passing. I know I will always remember camping with the Netto's when I was little, and hearing Phil's stories and his big laugh. We will keep him and your family in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Melanie O'Connor and the Arnott Family
Sidney Fry
September 6, 2010
Dear Marie and daughters,
This is such a terrible loss to your family. My heart sank hearing the news. I pray God helps you with your sorrow. Everyone loved Phil. Though I didn't have much contact over these many years, when I did see him, he was always so warm and upbeat. Just a real, caring person. One of his friends described him here as a 'gentle giant,' - so aptly put. He certainly has left his mark on many people. When I did frequent the Netto home as a young girl, I always felt welcomed, even amidst the 'abuse' meted out by the brothers, likened to as yet, another 'sister.' :-)
May your family, in time, find the peace and strength Phil would want you all to have–until you are with him again. Then you can yell at him for leaving you too soon.
Love to your family.
Larry Griffin
September 5, 2010
Dear Marie, Kelly and Kristy,
I was shocked to hear that my friend Phil, passed away. I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Love Larry
Rebecca Rader
September 5, 2010
Auntie Marie, Kelly, Kristy and Whittaker,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm sure Uncle Phil is watching and guiding.
Love from Becky, Michael, Nathan and Meghan
MaryLou Green
September 5, 2010
Marie & Family: I am so very sorry for your loss. If there is anything at all I can do please don't hesitate to call.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou
September 4, 2010
Marie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you in love and sympathy. May your memories fill the lonely times but know he will always be with you in spirit.
Love, Bud & Anna Marie Kingdom
Susie Vega
September 4, 2010
All I could think of all week was that our father was preparing heaven for the welcome, and he was thinking Phil will be here in time for the World Series, and we have front row seats this year.
Love,
Susie and Trish
Joni Sampson
September 3, 2010
Dear Marie, I wish to add my condolences and prayers to all the rest, and tell you how sorry I am about the loss of your dear husband and friend. God bless you and your family at this difficult time; I'm sure Phil is in heaven and someday you will be reunited.
George Kriz
September 3, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of a father, husband, and classmate. Phil and I go back to the days of City League basketball, when our fathers played on the same team. Phil was a "gentle giant," and I am sure that the outpouring of feelings over his passing represents the kind of man he was. My deepest sympathies...
September 3, 2010
Marie & family,
Little did I know that when Phil gave me that big bear hug at the Harris' last week, that it would be the last time to enjoy the warmth and gentleness of this wonderful human being.
Our words cannot express how much we ache for you and your girls. Please know our prayers are sent your way.
Fondly, Jerry & Carol Hedin
Rick & Judy Peretto
September 3, 2010
Marie and family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Rick has known him for over 60 years and we both have happy memories.
Judy & Rick Peretto
Jane (Lemmon) DiGirolamo
September 3, 2010
Phil was in so many of my brother Bob's basketball stories. I have happy memories of watching him play at SCHS. May you be surrounded by family and friends, supported by their love and comforted by your faith.
Kim Dunn-Clemons and Family
September 3, 2010
Krit, Kel, Whit and Marie - I'm so sad for your (and our) loss. Anyone who's ever even had a conversation with "Big Fill" loves him. You know how much my family does. You're all in our prayers.
Mark Schultz
September 3, 2010
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Matt Netto
September 3, 2010
Dear Auntie Ria and Cousins Kelly and Kristy,
I loved my uncle Phil and I am gonna miss him. I will see you at the funeral thank you for asking me to sing.
All my Love
Pat and Pam Moore
September 3, 2010
Marie our prayers are with you and your family. Phil was definitely a great mentor to all who knew him. God blessed us all through his work with the youth he touched, God bless your family during this trying moment in your life.
Valerie Kingdom
September 3, 2010
Marie, Kelly, Kristy and Whittaker. All my love to you. Big Phil will always hold a special place in my heart.
September 3, 2010
Phil, you will be missed by Marie, Kristy, Kelly, myself and many others. I first met you in the winter of 1968 when you were my youth basketball coach. I vividly remember a game in the old Turner gym at Santa Cruz High School wherein I picked up 3 fouls in the first 2 minutes against the 76ers. You called a timeout and in it, in that booming voice of yours, you looked down from above at the number 2 on my jersey and told me to stop fouling. Well, never wanting to cross you, I stopped.
The last time I saw you on the basketball court was a couple of years ago when you were filling in for your daughter as the 7th grade boys basketball coach at Holy Cross and I was one of the two game officials. More than once during that game I could hear that bellowing voice of yours yell from the sideline, "C'mon, Greg!", over a call you thought I should have made. Even then, 39 years after you told me to stop fouling, I couldn't escape your loving wrath.
I remember a lot from that enjoyable season with the Warriors when I was 12: the five basic plays we ran, the championship we won with a 9-1 record (I used to kid you that the team was nothing without me because the only game I didn't play in, against the Pistons, we lost), our starting five of Kenny Morris at center, Robbie Darrow and Scott Jones at forwards, and Kenny O'Connell and Dan Dodge at guards (on this overpowering team, I was the sixth man).
Thanks for the memories, Phil. Though they'll get someone to fill your space in that red jacket on the Dads Club tournament staff, they will never be able to replace you.
Again, thanks for everything. I'm a better person for having known you and having played for you.
Much love,
Greg Lathrop
September 3, 2010
In my book, “La Nostra Costa� (Our Coast), Chapter 27 (Rancio Di Bronco, Casa Di Valentina) page 307, I write:
A second-hand Willy's Jeep Truck was one of Bronco's first purchases. Bronco (my father) and John (my brother) would park the truck (usually facing the wrong way) along the curb
next to our new house (729 Seaside St.). Phil Netto, the son of Edith and Manuel Netto, had the dubious privilege of attending Santa Cruz High School with me. Along with his parents, brother David, and sister Laurie (Loralee), Phil lived across the street from our house at 722 Seaside St. Phil often told me that he "cursed that infernal truck", for waking him up so early in the morning (when Bronco and John left for the ranch). Sorry, Phil if we had had more money we could have bought a less noisy truck.
And in a Chapter Endnote on Page 315 I add: "Phil Netto was a star basketball player at Santa Cruz High School, circa 1956 to 1957. Credible reports have it that his father Manuel, who worked for many years at the Portland Cement Plant, had been even a better player than Phil."
Addio Phil. Until we meet again "Across Il Ultimo Ponte"
Antoinette Giovannoni
September 3, 2010
Marie, Kelly, Kristi & Whitaker, you have lost a wonderful husband, father & grandfather, and people who knew Phil have lost a devoted friend. Thank you Phil for all the gifts you have shared with so many through the years. You were a Great Neighbor...
Sandi Locatelli
September 3, 2010
Our love and prayers are with all of you. Thank God that you have so many wonderful memories of a great man.
Love and kisses to you all.
Sandi Locatelli and family
Marsha Guerra
September 3, 2010
Marie, I am so very sorry for your sudden loss. God bless you and your family.
Love, Marsha
Peter Barling
September 3, 2010
Marie,
Couples who have stayed together for 45 years have done so because they have shared unconditional love for each other. Remember that unconditional love transcends both time and death.
Laurine Sgambati
September 3, 2010
So very sorry for your loss of such a good husband, father and grandfather. Sending good thoughts and blessings for Phil and all.
Annissa Morris
September 3, 2010
Pappa Phil will always be in our hearts and memories. Big Phil and the entire Netto Family have always been wonderful friends, extened family to the Ratliff family and most importantly loving people. My heartaches upon hearing the news of Phils passing. You are in our prayers. We Love you all. "God Bless" from Sista "Nessa" Annissa Morris (Ratliff), Bytheal Ratliff and Zelma Fennell
Michelene Netto Clark
September 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Phil was my Uncle and I haven't seen him since I was very young. God Bless.
Linda & Dick Dahl
September 3, 2010
Our condolences are with you, we are so sorry for your loss. Know we are praying for each of you! Phil was a wonderful Man.
God bless each one-
Linda and Dick Dahl and family
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