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Phillip Wassem Obituary
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October 26, 2023. He was surrounded by his wife and children. Phil was a beloved husband,
father, grandfather ('Big Papi'), brother-in-law, schoolteacher, coach, and dance Dad, among
the many roles that he played throughout his life.
Phil leaves behind his wife, Christine (Chris) Wassem, his children Bryce Wassem, Reese
Wassem, Elyse Wassem and Grace Wassem, his son's wife, Leah Wassem, and his son's partner,
Maya Hayes, as well as his grandchildren Sawyer Wassem, Merrick Wassem and Trayce
Wassem. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Hope Wassem, his parents Phil and
Sue Wassem and his brother, Drexel Wassem.
Phil was an Exceptional Student Education teacher at Coronado Beach Elementary where he
taught for more than 17 years alongside his wife, Chris, also an elementary school teacher. He
was born July 26, 1961, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The family moved from Iowa to Daytona Beach,
FL in 1966 and then to New Smyrna Beach in 1981. He attended Warner Christian Academy for
High School, graduating in 1979. He then attended Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, FL,
where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1983. He began his career with Vanguard
School in Lake Wales working with special needs kids in the athletic department and then went
to the Florida Department of Children and Families (formerly the Department of Health and
Rehabilitative Services). He later attained his Master of Special Education from NOVA
Southeastern which enabled him to become a special education teacher at Sunrise Elementary
in Deltona, FL.
Phil met Chris, the love of his life, in Lake Wales where they started their lives before relocating
back to Phil's hometown of New Smyrna Beach. Side by side they raised their children, coached
little league, served as stage parents at countless dance recitals, and delighted in daily joy and
quality time with their grandchildren. Phil loved cheering on the Red Sox and playing rounds of
golf with his sons. And he could always be counted on to support his daughters' dance recitals
including performing on stage to the delight of all.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 11AM at FirstNSB – A
Family Church, 200 Faulkner Street, New Smyrna Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests
that you spend time with your loved ones.
"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children (and grandchildren) teach us what
life is all about." – Angela Schwindt
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Phillip, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tina and Taylor Hardy
November 2, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marla DeLoach Griffin
October 30, 2023
Dear Chris, Bryce, Reese, Elyse, Grace, Leah, Maya, Sawyer, Merrick and Trayce - my heart goes out to each of you. I know you must miss you Big Popi, Dad, and partner will all your hearts. He ha an enormous love for Chris and family. Phil had such a kind and gentle spirit and a great sense of humor. The children of Vanguard, Sunrise and Coronado Beach Elementary Schools were very fortunate to have had him as teacher and coach. Phil leaves a legacy of love and compassion in the lives of those whose lives he touched. I count myself especially blessed to have worked with him. We will miss you, Phil.
Linnette Mullen
October 30, 2023
Dear Chris, I am deeply saddened by this tragic news. I will always remember the time I spent working with you and Phil fondly. I pray for you and your family.
Judy Lewis
October 30, 2023
Chris and Grace and family,
Aidan, Chelsea and I are so very sorry for your loss. I know you all must be grief stricken and our hearts go out to all of you. God bless you and may God give you some comfort as you go through this awful time.
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Sarah Galbreath
October 29, 2023
Dear Chris, I was so shocked and sad to hear this! I will always remember his every present smile! I am so very sorry for your loss. Please off my condolences to the children also and know that you are all in my prayers. Sarah Galbreath
Denise Drawdy-Allen
October 28, 2023
This news has come as a shock. Being as Warner Southern College was a small college when we attended, everyone was very close. Phil had the best sense of humor! He could always put a smile on my face. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Dana Sempsrott Timmons
October 28, 2023
Was so sad to hear of Phillip´s passing. We had some fun times in high school at Warner. Our parents worked side by side at all home basketball games in the concession stand. It was a close knit group.
He was quite a good athlete, had a gentle spirit, funny, and was a good friend.
I moved away from Fl 25 years ago and lost contact with many. The last time I saw Phillip was at Frank Hogan´s Memorial Service. He came up behind me, tapped my shoulder and had a big smile on his face.
My prayers go out to the Wassem family. May you feel peace that only God can give.
Curt McAlister
October 28, 2023
Phil was a great athlete and team-mate at Warner Academy. I knew Phil and his family from 12 years old since we were both raised in the same area. Phil always had a great sense of humor and could take a teasing as well as giving it back. I will always remember Phil as being gentle and kind and always willing to give of his time and energy to those that needed it. Phil lived an honorable life and will be missed by many.
Jaime Mathewson-Valcarcel
October 27, 2023
Phil was one of Kortland's village team at Coronado that got him on track with reading. I've known Phil from baseball fields to the classrooms and he was such a great guy. I could contact him anytime about Kortland and he'd have a response by the end of the day. You will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.
Kortland
October 27, 2023
Kortland said one time Mr. Wassem moved his ONE tooth out of his mouth and then put it back in.
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