Phillip William Sanfilippo

A native of San Jose, Phil grew up with his family in a farming-centered existence. In a single generation he changed the trajectory of his family by graduating with an engineering degree from SJSU, which he followed up with time in the US Coast Guard. When it came time for him to job hunt, the love he developed for Santa Cruz during childhood led him to seek a job here. For the entirety of his career, he was employed by the County of Santa Cruz, retiring as the Assistant Director of Public Works.
Loves of his life (other than family) were building, remodeling, and repairing just about anything; the 49ers; camping; and his garden (especially his avocado trees). His yearly trips to Baja California with his closer-than-a-brother best friend, Dick McDermott, and Dick's dad (Pop), were a highlight of his life.
Phil was well known for his smirk which signaled that mischief was afoot. He was always ready for any adventure and enjoyed a cold drink in the sun with his dog and a Life is Good t-shirt. Under the mischief was a tender heart, especially when it came to his daughters, of whom he was fiercely supportive. He taught his kids and grandkids how to waterski and fish, built a gas-powered blender for the Baja trips when they didn't have electrical hookups, and enjoyed nights with his buddies making cioppino and playing poker.
Phil is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandy, and their two daughters and their families: Joy and Greg Fuson (Anna, Josh) and Leah and Richard Lane (Madison, Aubrey, Kaylin, and Jeremiah), and other family who loved him: Shirley and Peter Farrow, Mike and Cheryl Vitullo, as well as cousins and niblings.
A gathering to celebrate Phil's life will be held at Café Cruz Fri, 6/20. Drop by anytime between 2:45 and 4:45 pm.