Philip Mirci

Philip stayed with his grandparents, Phil and Ann Mirci in Caliente, while Kelly and Marcie moved to Cedar City, Utah. Kelly took his remaining classes toward his degree and teaching credential while Marcia worked at the hospital. Caliente would remain Philip’s home-away-from-home throughout his life. While his parents were in Utah, Philip’s first little sister, Susan was born.

In the fall of 1954, Philip and his family moved to Newberry Springs where Kelly had his first teaching job. Remote desert life did not suit the little family, so they sought greener pastures.

In 1955, the family moved to Beaumont, California, where Kelly taught at Palm Jr. High School, and they became members of San Gorgonio Catholic Church. School and church would play a significant role throughout Philip’s life. In 1958, his baby sister, Theresa, was born.

Philip attended Precious Blood Catholic School in Banning for one year before transferring to the Beaumont Unified School District. He was a good student and made friends quickly. When in junior high school, he got a job at Kelts Sporting Goods, and worked there throughout junior college.

In high school, Philip took delight in being involved in theater. He acted in The Diary of Anne Frank, earning an award for his performance. He directed and acted in Arsenic and Old Lace. Later, he directed the melodrama, Little Nell, Plaza Suite, and South Pacific. Philip graduated early, with honors, and was awarded the BHS “Gold B” for his excellent contribution to the Beaumont High School community.

While earning his A.A. at Mt. San Jacinto College, Philip continued acting, and earned an award for his portrayal of Willie Lowman in Death of a Salesman. He went on to get a B.A. in Drama from CSC, San Bernardino in 1974. During this time, Philip remained very active at San Gorgonio Catholic Church, teaching religious education classes, directing plays with the parish youth, and leading high school retreats.

Philip shifted focus in his college work, earning a M.A. in Education from CSC, San Bernardino in 1976, and obtaining a teaching credential. He taught elementary school in the Yucaipa-Calimesa school district for a number of years. In 1979, Philip earned a M.A. in Educational Leadership from University of Redlands.

Feeling a calling to ministry, Philip attended St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, CA. He completed all requirements to be a transitional deacon in the Catholic Church. However, rather than becoming a priest, Philip chose to remain a deacon and returned to a career in education.

Philip earned an administrative credential. He became an assistant principal and later principal of a brand-new school, Ridgeview Elementary, in Yucaipa. Later, he would serve as an assistant superintendent in the Yucaipa School District; and an assistant superintendent at the San Bernardino County Office of Education. In 1990, Philip earned a PhD in Education from The Claremont Graduate School.

Philip began to teach in the School of Education at the University of Redlands. Eventually, he went on to become a full-time associate professor there in 2006. He received many awards and accolades for his work there. Philip supervised many student teachers, and later, taught in the doctoral program. He made a tremendous impact on, and was loved by, students and coworkers alike. After retiring, he continued to teach part-time.

Philip continued to work for the San Bernardino Diocese, until his death, focusing on preparing others to become deacons. He officiated or co-officiated at numerous weddings. Philip shepherded many friends and family members into Heaven (including his parents and Joya) with beautiful funerals. He baptized little ones, including some of his nieces. Most recently, Philip was given permission to become a Catholic priest. However, instead of transitioning into the priesthood, he transitioned into Heaven.

Philip had a very silly side as well. Those who knew him well, delighted in his antics when this child-like side manifested itself. He loved to travel, go out to eat, go to movies and watch Broadway musicals. Philip loved all of his family, especially his nephew, nieces, and great-nephew. Philips’s longtime friendship with Joya Baker blossomed into something beautiful. The two would remain partners and soulmates until her death in 2021. Philip was a loving caregiver to Joya when she became incapacitated by Multiple Systems Atrophy.

In his work at the university and in the diaconate program, Philip shared his passion for social justice. He was dedicated to helping people open their minds and understand the need to fight for the poor and marginalized in society. He supported many charities directed toward this purpose. Philip marched in the No Kings Protest in June of this year, wearing a T-shirt with a quote by poet laureate Amanda Gorman: “When we merge mercy with might/ and might with right/ love becomes our legacy”. Truly, love is Phil’s greatest legacy.

Throughout his adult life, however, Philip suffered severe physical pain as well as bouts of depression. He struggled with many surgeries and strong medications necessary to treat that pain. May he finally rest from his hard work and be free from all pain.

Philip is survived by his sisters, Susan Bryan (Tim) and Theresa Mirci-Smith (Sheldon); nephew Christopher Bryan (Nedra); nieces Angela Bryan (Travis); Saralyn Smith (Noel); Lisa Smith; and Kelcie Fae Smith; great-nephew Mickal Bryan; and numerous close friends and cherished cousins. Philip was predeceased by his parents, Kelly and Marcella Mirci, and the love of his life, Joya Baker.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Weaver Mortuary in Beaumont. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church at 1234 Palm Avenue, Beaumont on September 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations received by the family will go toward a future scholarship.