Phillip C. DiGirolamo

1939 - 2017

Phillip C. DiGirolamo

June 11, 1939 - Oct. 28, 2017

Salinas

Phillip's twelve-year journey with Multiple Myeloma ended peacefully at home. Phil was born in Antioch and raised in Monterey. He graduated in 1957 from Monterey Union High School, where he played football and baseball. He continued his education and football at both Monterey Peninsula College and Chico State, where he graduated in 1962. Phil earned his Elementary Teaching Credential at San Jose State University. He served for 36-years as a Teacher and Vice Principal with the Salinas City Elementary School District, mostly at El Gabilan School. He also coached football at Salinas High School for many years.

Phil was the eldest child of Anthony and Frances (Lucido) DiGirolamo who moved from Pittsburg, CA to Monterey before he started school. His father was a fisherman and later opened Angelo's Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf with his brothers. Phil worked in the kitchen and learned to cook there. It was a job he enjoyed and kept while going to school and during summer vacations for a number of years. His culinary skills enhanced many family meals, especially during the holidays.

Phil was preceded in death by his father, Anthony, and brother, Richard of San Jose, along with many aunts and uncles.

Survivors include his mother, Frances, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday; his MPC sweetheart, Jane Lemmon, to whom he was married for 57 years; children, Lori (Greg) Voogd, and Blaise (Michelle) DiGirolamo, both of Salinas; sisters, Rena DiGirolamo of Monterey and Tina (Robert) England of Salinas; sister-in-law, Bette DiGirolamo of San Jose; four grandchildren who brought so much joy to his life, Nick and Tyler Voogd, Madison and Marco DiGirolamo, all of Salinas; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, godchildren and cousins by the dozens. He loved being part of his extended Italian family and was proud to be the first grandson on both sides of his family.

Phil was a SF 49er Season Ticket holder since 1971, a true 49er faithful. He also followed the SF Giants and Golden State Warriors as well as college sports. He enjoyed playing golf with family and friends. He loved trips to Italy, Hawaii, Lake Tahoe and places closer to home. He would go anywhere to watch his grandchildren play sports or perform.

The family would like to thank Dr. Geetha Varma, the nurses and staff in the Cancer Care Clinic, his VNA Palliative Care nurse, Angela, and the rest of the Palliative Care Team.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church St., Monterey, CA 93940.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, VNA & Hospice, 5 Lower Ragsdale Dr., Monterey, CA 93940 or your favorite charity.

Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.

Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com