Philip D. Marella

Philip D. Marella, 82, died peacefully on Friday, December 9th with his loving wife, Cindy, and son Phil Jr., at his side. Phil was born in Colle, Italy and moved with his family to Tower Hill, PA in 1930. He was the fifth child born to Tancredi Giuseppe and Sebastiana Marella and was a loving brother to his siblings Celeste Lascaris, Louis Marella, Inez Marella, Medea Marella, Rose Betz and Frank Marella. Phil married his loving wife of 56 years, Lucinda Minor Marella, in 1955. Phil is also survived by his three children and their spouses, Philip D. Marella Jr. and his wife Andrea, Laura Marella Daboub and her husband Jorge, and William S. Marella and his wife Kirsti, and by eleven wonderful and talented grandchildren. Phil was a loving grandfather who was affectionately called “Pap Pap” by Julia Grace Marella, Dana Jesse Marella, Philip Daniel Marella III, Andrew Patrick Marella, Anthony Brandon Daboub, Evan Daniel Daboub, Brianna Lynne Daboub, Stephanie Marie Daboub, Rebecca Charlotte Marella, Elizabeth Louise Marella and William Tancredi Marella.

Phil’s successful career in broadcast management spanned over 45 years. Rising from his start as a local salesperson for WGR-TV in Buffalo, NY, he eventually rose to VP of Operations at Lin Broadcasting and also served on its Board of Directors. In 1978, Phil ventured into station ownership beginning with WMGC-TV (WIVT-TV) in Binghamton, NY and culminating as the owner and CEO of Pinnacle Broadcasting Company, which owned and operated 28 radio stations across the U.S. Phil also served his industry and community for many years as an active Board Member of the Radio Advertising Bureau, the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters and the Binghamton Symphony.

Phil graduated from California State University in 1955, where he was recognized as a distinguished graduate and alumnus. He received his Master’s Degree in Radio and Television from Syracuse University in 1956. Prior to college, Phil served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp, as a Buck Sergeant and machine gun instructor.

Those who knew Phil best described him as “an impeccable professional, a man of his word, my best boss, my mentor, a true friend”. He was a man of extraordinary initiative and self-discipline, perseverance, generosity, compassion, humility and grace. While Phil’s fine qualities were integral to his business success, his strengths shone most brightly in his devotion to his family and friends.

On Phil’s behalf, his family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and other medical staff at Stamford Hospital for their dedicated, compassionate and loving care. We will be forever grateful.

Calling hours will be held from 3:00PM-7:00PM today at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home 31 Arch Street Greenwich, CT. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:00AM on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at St. Michael’s Church 469 North Street Greenwich, CT. Words of sympathy and comfort may be sent to the family at www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com

It is the family’s wish that, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation be offered to Dana’s Angels Research Trust. DART is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded by the Marella family to fund medical research, medical education, or medical or hospital care for the treatment or cure of Niemann-Pick Type C disease, a rare, fatal illness afflicting two of Phil’s grandchildren. Donations should be sent to 15 East Putnam Avenue, #117, Greenwich, CT 06830-5424 or online at www.DanasAngels.org.