Philip John Fox passed away on April 13th at the age of 78. Born in Easton, PA, to John and Marjorie Fox, he was a 9th generation Pennsylvanian. He studied Civil Engineering at Lafayette College and continued his education at Harvard Business School. Phil came to San Francisco on a consulting assignment in '67, fell in love with the city, and never left.

Phil's career spanned 43 years including consulting, small business, and investment management--always with an entrepreneurial flair for new ideas and products. After he retired, he continued to be captivated by financial markets, even talking about his favorite stock picks in his final days. Outside of work, he delighted in the pursuits of his children, was an avid reader and even penned a few books himself, became an accomplished golfer as a nearly 50-year member of the Olympic Club, enjoyed sunny days at the Ann Curtis Swim Club and on trips to Hawaii with his family, captured a number of Bridge master points, and took up ballroom dancing in his later years. He will be sorely missed.

Phil's four children brought him great joy. He is survived by daughters Alison Mazzola (Simon), Kari Sontag (Michael), and Alexandra Fox, and son Kevin Fox. He leaves grandchildren Michael, Lily, and Henry. Phil encouraged his children to strive for academic and professional success, but not take life too seriously. They remember fondly his "dad-isms," such as, "have a positive attitude and a sense of humor." His final wish was that his children would all love and care for each other. Phil is also survived by his sister Susan Bedell, his brother Douglas Fox (Rhonnie), and the mothers of his children, Anadel Fox and Maureen Fox.

A reception to celebrate his life is scheduled for May 5, 2019 at the clubhouse of the Presidio Golf & Concordia Club at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 26 to Apr. 28, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Fox

Sponsored by Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

6 Entries

Nicolette Valdespino

January 27, 2020

Hello,
When I was a child my family rented half of the duplex on Palm Street with Phillip Fox, and family. I was young but I remember him being a very good person who was very kind and in fact when my mother into labor with my younger sister your family took care of me. How kind your husband and father was has forever been talked about in my family and today I was just thinking that I don't know if your father and husband was told that after we left San Francisco my mother had a son and named him Phillip after your lovely gentleman.
I was hoping to reach out to him today, googled him and then I saw this obituary. 2019 was a pretty awful year, but seeing this actually made me crack. I can't imagine what your family is going through, but I just wanted to say that Phillip Fox made an incredible impact on myself, my mother, and our entire family. Thank you.

Ann Scarff

May 1, 2019

Rest In Peace, Phil. I'll never forget how tender and loving you treated Anadel during her pregnancies and what a great father you have been to all your children. Always a gentleman, your presence is missed.

April 29, 2019

To the family,

I express my deepest condolences at this time of sorrow. I pray for your strength as each day passes. Continue to reflect on the memories that brought so much joy. Seek refuge in the God of all comfort and he will sustain you.

R.D.

Birmingham, AL

Diane Garrett

April 27, 2019

It's your time to rest, Phil. You were the best boss I ever had. We worked together for 20 years to build the WRAP business at WHV and what a success it was. You were the mastermind and I enjoyed watching your brilliance. But you were always mindful of equal life/work balance. You always told me "pace yourself". How right you were. Rest, Phil, you deserve it.

April 22, 2019

Thank you for your kindness Mr. Fox. I'll miss seeing you and Miss Frances. I'll also miss talking about the Niners. Godspeed.

Floyd & Rita Parma

April 19, 2019

Thank you Phil for the memories that we shared. We had many good times dancing at various places with you and Frances. Floyd & Rita Parma

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