Phillip M. Gialanella

Phillip M. Gialanella obituary, Spring Lake, MI

Phillip M. Gialanella

Phillip Gialanella Obituary

Visit the Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel website to view the full obituary.
Phillip M. Gialanella, age 72, went to be with Jesus on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was born May 26, 1953, to Ralph and Delphia (née Hills) Gialanella in Jackson, MI. Phil graduated from Jackson High School and shortly after graduation, joined the United States Air Force, where he spent 4 honorable years serving our country. Prior to his service, Phil worked as a brakeman for the Railroad and then at Kellogg's Crankshaft. Phil went on to earn his associate's degree from Muskegon Community College. After school, Phil worked as an electronics technician for the FAA, where he worked for 35 years.
Phil married the love of his life, Conni Rutledge, September 15, 1972, and they have spent 52 wonderful years making memories. Phil cherished time with his family, especially being Papa to his grandchildren. And he always had a dog by his side. He loved to joke and have fun, never passing up a moment to pick on his wife. Phil made an impact on many youths in the community, not only teaching them sports skills but also life lessons. He was a long-time youth leader at Fellowship Church, as well as a baseball coach. He was a scout leader for the Webelos before he even had children. Phil enjoyed relaxing days in the woods or on the lake while fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed making memories, traveling the United States in his RV. He met many dear friends in Florida.
Phil is survived by his wife, Conni Gialanella; 2 children, Lucas (Wendy) Gialanella and Angela (Timothy) Klein; 4 grandchildren, Ariella Gialanella, Vincent Gialanella, Caleb Klein and Kaiana Klein; 6 cousins he grew up with, Leeanna (Charles) Kloack, Kaleen Green, Lorie (David) Kukulka, Marie (Charlie) Elder, Michelle Willers, and Monique (Jim) Worth; and a dear life-long friend Mark (Shirley) Ottmer, who was like a brother. He is preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Phil's memory to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or American Kidney Fund.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Fellowship Church, 4200 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442, with a visitation one-hour prior. A visitation with the family will be held from 6-8:00 PM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Burial with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Fort Custer, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI, 49012. Share memories with the family at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel

6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444

Make a Donation
in Phillip Gialanella's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.

How to support Phillip's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Phillip Gialanella's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.