Philip J. Dye

Philip John Dye passed away suddenly at his home on November 12, 2024. Philip was a lifelong resident of Akron. He was a graduate of Buchtel High School and the University of Akron where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After college, Philip became a member of the Akron Police Department where only after 4 years he was promoted to Sargent, a record that still holds to this day. After 15 years with the police department, he chose to change career paths and became a custom builder. He designed and built over 70 homes in the greater Akron area. He was an active Board member of the Homebuilders Association, where he won many Best Home Competitions. His work demanded long hours and after 15 more years he decided to change career paths once again. 

He and his wife, Susan, who was a retired nursing director, opened a medical supply company that specialized in products for the disabled. There was one product, the catheter, that caused patients to have repeat infections - it’s original design was by Benjamin Franklin the 1700’s. Very little had improved after all these years until Philip designed and patented his new catheter he named Z-Cath. Sadly, this product was almost completed for FDA approval and manufacturing. His family is determined to complete his dream.

Philip was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His children were his top priority. He coached W.A.B.L. and C.Y.O. sports and never missed a single game, school event or recital. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Patricia Dye, brother William Dye, and sister Susan Lavery. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years Susan (Winter); son Patrick of Youngstown; grandson Hendrix; daughter Melissa (Nate) Connor of Akron and grandchildren Millie, Joshua, Westley, Philip, and Annabelle; brother Thomas (Mary) Dye of Richfield; sisters Mary (Jack) Farkas of Akron, Janet Renner of Cleveland, Cathy (Jerry) McCausland of Copley, and Judy (Michael) Gilchrist of Cuyahoga Falls. 

He touched so many lives in his 74 years and will be so deeply missed. A private service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital. 

To leave a memory of Philip or a condolence for his family, see the online guestbook below.