Phil is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Nahil B. Saab; four children, Jorgina Saab, Nicole Saab, Michelle Saab, and Anthony Saab; son-in-law John Albright (Nicole), daughter-in-law Leanne Macdonald (Anthony), brother Fred Saab Jr, sisters Marianna Patterson and Susanne Gross; and grandchildren Emory Schlenker, Jude Schlenker, Maddox Albright, Ivy Albright, and Ruby Saab. Preceded in death by brother Ted Saab and parents Fred and Agnes Saab. Phil was a loving father and grandfather who was loved and respected by his community. He left his mark everywhere he went and was known for his positive and powerful presence, generosity, signature jokes, smile, sense of humor and his art of negotiation.
Phillip’s parents, Fred and Agnes Saab, immigrated to the United States from Lebanon through Ellis Island, eventually settling in Haskell, Oklahoma. They raised their kids to be proud Lebanese-Americans, celebrating and sharing their culture with friends and family. Phil moved to Denver from Haskell in 1962, to begin his education career as a math teacher at Morey Middle School.
In 1971, on a family trip to Lebanon, Phil first noticed Nelly Beshara at his grandmother’s house and immediately was enamored. After Phil returned to Denver, he and Nelly began a long distance courtship and were married in Lebanon in June 1972. Nelly moved with Phil to Denver where they started their family together.
Phil remained at Morey for 25 years where he eventually became the Assistant Principal. Phil was passionate about his profession and the kids he supported, committing his time and energy to the most underserved students in Denver. He often took students on fishing trips and provided them with the necessities they needed to be successful. In 1996, he retired from South High School where he served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Although he worked at South only for a few years, he was a Rebel through and through, and he felt great pride when his two grandsons chose to attend South High School.
Phil was an avid sports fan; he loved to watch football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, but he was a passionate and life-long Denver Broncos fan who never missed a game. When his kids were young, Phil held season tickets to Mile High Stadium, and although it distracted him from game play, he regularly brought them along, packing plenty of peanuts, hot cocoa, licorice and blankets for those chilly winter games.
Phil also loved fishing and spending time in the mountains, first sharing this passion with his students at Morey Middle School and then with his own kids and grandkids. He took great pride in purchasing a home in the mountains of Buena Vista where his kids, grandkids and entire family could spend time together. This brought him so much joy and peace.
He will be remembered by family and friends at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 3, at the Olinger Mortuary at 8600 E. Hampden Ave. in Denver, Colorado.
Friends and family of Phil Saab who wish to make a charitable contribution in Phil's name may donate to the Phil Saab Memorial Fund at Denver South High School. Funds will be used to support students to participate in South High School athletic programs. Contributions may be made through check, cash or electronic transfer. Detailed instructions are below:
Check or Cash, mail to:
Denver South High School Athletics
Attn: Adam Kelsey, Athletic Director
Phil Saab Memorial Fund
1700 E. Louisiana Ave.
Denver, CO 80210
Venmo electronic transfer: managed by Nicole Saab, who will send a check to South High School. Transfer funds electronically on Venmo to @Nicole-Saab-1. Note the transfer as a "contribution to Phil Saab Memorial Fund."
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