Philip Genet

1948 - 2025

Philip Genet
02/05/1948 - 06/30/2025
Philip "Phil" Charles Genet, 77, passed away on June 30, 2025, at home in Sonoma, California. His courage in the face of illness reflected his enduring strength and spirit. Phil never lost his zest for life-enjoying music, dancing, ESPN, and ice cream until the end.
Born in Miami in 1948, to Irving and Sylvia Genet, Phil was one of four siblings. He met Ilene Teitler at Coral Gables High, later marrying her in 1969, after earning his degree from the University of Miami. The couple moved to Northern California, where Phil launched his first business, Genet Western & Brokerage Company. He and Ilene raised two daughters, Becky and Deborah, and built a vibrant circle of friends. Though they later divorced, they remained close.
Phil joined Big Brothers in 1975 and formed a lifelong bond with his "little brother," Aaron Lamstein, with whom he co-founded his second business, Worldwise. He married Christine ("Chrissy") Neumann in 1997 and embraced her son Rob as his own. Phil was by Chrissy's side until her passing in 2006.
Phil later married Cheryl Simons in 2007, gaining three stepchildren - Andy (Lynn), Jill (Rick), and Stefanie (Matt). Together, Phil and Cheryl created a joyful life full of love, generosity, and celebration. They cared for each other deeply through two wonderful decades.
Phil cherished time with his grandchildren (Sean, Mia and Poppy) and step-grandchildren (Ethan, Zoe, Hope, Mack, Kody & Elodie). He was an avid sports fan, music lover, Jazz Fest regular, JCC board member, and lifelong Hurricanes and Giants supporter. His warmth, humor, and big personality touched many and will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Genet Family Scholarship Fund at the University of Miami (established by Phil in 2004) or to the Lac du Genet Foundation or to Congregation Rodef Sholom.