Philip August Macaluso Jr.

Philp August Macaluso Jr, age 79, went to meet his beloved in Heaven on Monday December 23, while surrounded by the love of his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Barbara Sue, his parents Phil and June Macaluso and his sister Anita Davis (Ann O'Dell). Phil leaves behind Daughters Natalie (Dana Koppes), Amanda Murphy and Son Tony (Krystin) Macaluso. Grandchildren Finn, Kelly, Brayden, Abbey, and Luke. His Sister Monica (Glen) Gilbert, Sister-in-Law, Nancy (David) Stonecipher, Brother-in-Law Mike (Emily) Berend, Nephews John, Troy, Mike, Jeg, Steve and Adam. Nieces Cathy, Angie, Amy, Aly, Laura and Tina. Great-nieces and nephews and his treasured kitty, "Lilly".
Phil was born in Columbus, Ohio, moved to Upper Arlington in 1954. He graduated from Upper Arlington in 1963, where he took pride being on the Football, Wrestling and Track and Field teams. Phil attended Ohio University and The Ohio State University, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Barb and Phil were Married in 1965 at St. Agatha Church.
Phil's career began at an early age (as soon as he could walk) at The Macaluso Fruit Company, started by his Grandfather. From there an opportunity arose to start his own business, introducing central Ohio to office coffee machines. Thus, the Macaluso Vending Company was born. He would continue to evolve and innovate this business to keep up with consumer demand right up to his retirement in 2015.
Phil was very involved in his industry, working his way into leadership positions in the Ohio Automated Merchants Associations, National Automated Merchants Association, and the Ohio Retail Merchants Association. His pride in seeing Columbus grow and thrive also led him to be involved with Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.
Throughout the years Phil donated his time happily with his big heart and caring ways to the community by volunteering with the Heart and Lung Associations, St Andrew Church, Pregnancy Distress Center, Ohio History Connection, Mission work in prisons, and refereeing youth football.
Phil has been blessed with a very special group of friends, the majority of which he met at Tremont Elementary School, Jones Middle School and continued long past their years at Upper Arlington High School into present day. His wit, charm, sense of humor and adventure are at the center of all the memories shared of Phil's time here on Earth. We're sure these experiences will live on in Heaven as he reconnects with those so dear, who passed on before him.
A celebration of Phil's life will be forthcoming, and a burial service will be held in Milford Center along with his wife Barb on June 8th. Friends of Phil's are gathering at OSU Golf Course Restaurant Tuesday, January 21st from 3-7pm to share stories and to honor him on his birthday. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the UA Education Foundation, The Catholic Foundation or your local Hospice center, to which we are eternally grateful for their support and care of our beloved "Uncle Fish".
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