Elseworth Philip

Dr. Elsworth Philip, born October 23, 1940, in Claremont, Antigua, passed away peacefully at his home in Matteson, Illinois, on January 8, 2026.

Dr. Philip was the first of fourteen children born to Lincoln and Miriam Philip. He was preceded in death by four of his siblings, his younger brothers Cardigan, Bosworth, and Calvin, and his younger sister El Roma.

A man of extraordinary intellect, compassion, and dedication, Dr. Philip lived a life defined by service, education, and family. He was a lifelong teacher and healer whose influence reached across generations of students, patients, and loved ones.

Dr. Philip was valedictorian at Hampton University in Virginia. He went on to earn his PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago, followed by his medical degree, also from UIC. During this demanding period of his life, he taught while attending medical school, excelling in both pursuits. His academic career included teaching physiology at St. Xavier University and serving as a professor at the University of Chicago in both dental and medical programs.

He later devoted himself fully to medicine, finding his calling in emergency care. Dr. Philip practiced as an emergency room physician at several hospitals, most notably Starke Memorial Hospital, Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, and various other ER rooms in Illinois including Sandwich and Ottawa; and Huntington Hospital in Indiana. The fast paced, high stakes environment of the emergency room suited his sharp mind, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Dr. Philip met his beloved wife, Judith, while she was a nursing student at St. Xavier University and a nun at the time. Judith later shared that she first noticed Elsworth across a lunchroom and thought to herself that he was the man she would marry. As she came to know him, she was drawn to his kindness, generosity, and devotion to family, particularly his habit of sending money home to support his loved ones in Antigua. They were married on July 2, 1973, forming a partnership rooted in faith, respect, and deep love.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judith; his children, Maria Philip (Zdenek ‘Dean’ Kilian), Andrew Philip (Geri Howell), and Dr. Julia Philip-Kuli (Rumi Kuli); and his grandchildren, Elijah Kuli (Reem Al Yafaey), Jena Kuli, and Isaiah Kuli.

Dr. Philip is also survived by his siblings, Monica Broadbent, Naomi Attley (husband George), Ermatrude “Trudy” Philip, Marilyn Philip, Yvonne “Vivian” Sheridan (husband Ulric), George Philip (wife Carole), Aurora Hodge (husband Dane), Samuel Philip (wife Sharon), and Derval Philip (wife Heidi); and his grandchildren.

He leaves behind many cherished nieces, including Beatrice Broadbent, Maryse Anthony, Georgette Attley, Ulrica Sheridan, Kyla Sheridan, Areana Roberts, Cadira McIntosh, Emily Tonge, Euletta Philip, Holly Ann Hodge, Kyala Philip, Enderlie Philip, Naomi Philip, Patsy Philip, Sandra Philip, and Khalilah Phillip.

His nephews include Irving Broadbent, Rahsaan Phillip, Kareem Philip, Bevon Burgan, Benson Philip, Jason Philip, Donnell Tonge, Dane Hodge Jr., Derval Philip Jr., Purnell Mills, and Hillaria Philip.

Visitation for Dr. Philip will be Sunday, January 18, 2026 from noon until the hour of service at 4 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home Tinley Park, 17248 Harlem Ave.,, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Dr. Philip will be remembered as a brilliant physician, a devoted educator, a loving husband and father, and a man whose generosity and integrity shaped countless lives. His legacy lives on through his family, his students, and the many patients he served with skill and compassion.

Service can be seen here