Phillip Gene Ashadina Jr.

Phillip Gene Ashadina, Jr. passed away on October 12, 2025, after a long illness of COPD and heart failure.
Born on June 6, 1974, at Carmel Community Hospital, Phillip was raised in Watsonville, California. He was a baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith remained a quiet strength throughout his life.
From an early age, Phillip showed a deep love for animals-a love that shaped who he was. Known to many as "the reptile man," he shared his animals with schoolchildren and families at community events, worked at the Pet Emporium, and often made house calls to help families set up aquariums. He was gifted his turtle, Rosie, by his grandparents when he was five years old, and she remains with the family to this day. Phillip's compassion extended to every living creature. He was preceded in death by many of his beloved companions-Candy, Bear Bear, Brutus, and Lia-and is survived by his devoted dog Zeus.
He attended Amesti Elementary, Calabasas Elementary, E.A. Hall Middle School, Mission Hill Junior High, Aptos High School, Cabrillo College, and Feather River College. During his youth, he lived with his family for two and a half years at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where he attended school on base and was active in Scouts, later achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a junior lifeguard at Seacliff Beach and a member of the Mission Hill wrestling team. Phillip worked for eight years as a drug and alcohol counselor at the Mariposa Center on Carr Street in Watsonville, offering encouragement and hope to others. Outside of work, he found joy in restoring cars-especially the 1967 Chevy truck gifted to him by his father.
Phillip is survived by his mother, Sharon Ashadina; his sisters, Kelly Steele (Alan) and Julie Ashadina; and his nieces, Candace Evans (James), Amanda Steele, and Elena Steele (Cody). He was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Ashadina, Sr.
Those who knew Phillip will remember his humor, warmth, and unwavering kindness. His caring heart, gentle spirit, and love for all of God's creations will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter in his memory.