Philip Matthew Henriquez

On February 5, 2023, the light of our lives was tragically extinguished. Our precious Philip Matthew Henriquez was taken from his loving family, friends and co-workers in a sudden and traumatic manner. For twenty-three years, Philip was the light of our lives. Now, we are broken-hearted and fumbling in the dark without direction.

How do we, as Philip’s family, give an account of a life unfinished? We will try. Philip was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and resided in New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana. He attended St. Dominic School and graduated from Holy Cross High School. At the time of his passing, Philip was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of New Orleans with the goal of entering the medical field. He was a parishioner of St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Metairie, Louisiana. Philip, in his short life span, loved all types of music ranging from rap to classic rock. He loved cars and had developed his own sense of fashion. He loved to play video games and watch movies with his younger brother and best friend, Joseph. Saturday afternoons belonged to Philip and Joseph. The day was filled with eating at their favorite restaurants, shopping, going to the movies and hanging out as brothers. Philip and Joseph shared an unbreakable bond that cannot be described. Philip was the big brother, mentor and protector of little Joseph. Philip will live in Joseph’s heart forever. As Philip’s family, we are devastated that little Joseph has been robbed of this relationship with his big brother.

Philip is preceded in death by his beloved paternal grandparents, Mario and Mary Henriquez. He is survived by his loving and devoted parents, Janette Sumrall Todd (Carl, stepfather) and John Henriquez (Peggy, stepmother), his younger brother and best friend, Joseph Carl Todd, stepbrother, Keagen Smith (Alexis), and stepsister, Chelsea Harmening (Anthony), devoted and caring maternal grandparents, Charles Sumrall, Sr. and Evelyn Santa Messina Sumrall (a.k.a. “Granddaddy and Mamie”), along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Philip was employed as a Chiropractor’s Assistant at the American Back Institute under the guidance of Drs. Rob and Jeri Linzana and many wonderful and encouraging co-workers, all of whom were his second family. Philip loved his job and spoke often of all that he had learned.

Philip’s family would like to acknowledge the following individuals and groups who impacted his life in a positive and meaningful way: Aunt Debbie, Aunt Julie, Uncle Charlie, Keagen, Sean, Caitlin, Rusty, L. Blake Jones, St. Edward the Confessor Parish of Metairie, Louisiana and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Philip’s family would like to thank the following individuals and groups who have shown extraordinary compassion, comfort and sympathy during this incredibly difficult time: St. Edward the Confessor School, St. Edward the Confessor Church and Ladies Council, David and Lisa Sanchez and Family, Meal Ministry, and all of our extended family, friends, acquaintances and those personally unknown to us who provided food and checked in daily to remind us to eat and take care of ourselves at a time when life’s basic necessities did not matter. We will never forget your constant and selfless acts of compassion. We love all of you and hope that you join us to celebrate Philip’s life on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. Burial to follow Mass.