Phil Sumner

Phil filled many roles during his lifetime, son, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, and teacher. In 1947, he moved with his family to Oakland, CA. There he attended St. Jarlath’s Elementary School and Bishop O’Dowd High School. He went on to graduate from the University of California Berkeley in 1965, with a degree in education. Phil moved to San Jose in 1967, when he started his teaching career at Archbishop Mitty High School. He taught government and history for 38 years. When not teaching, Phil would spend time sailing, golfing, backpacking, and riding his motorcycle. He was very proud of his sail boats and enjoyed taking friends and family for outings on the bay. Later in life, when he no longer had a sail boat or motorcycle, he enjoyed ocean cruises and land tours visiting many destinations throughout the world.

Phil died at home in El Dorado Hills with his sister Lisa at his bedside. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bette and brother Robert. He will be missed dearly by Lisa, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation and Celebration of Life for Phil will be held Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050. A graveside service will occur Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Dr, Los Altos, CA 94024.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Sumner family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Guide Dogs For the Blind, San Rafael, or St. Jude Research Children's Hospital.