Philip Anthony Formica

34 Years of Age

Philip was called to Heaven on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at 1PM.

In his final moments, Philip was surrounded by his entire family and felt the love that he had always been shown throughout his life.

Philip is survived by both his father and mother, John Formica and Susan Ficalora, his stepmother Patricia Formica, sisters Angela (Dan) and Natalya, grandparents Filippo and Irene, aunts and uncles Salvatore (Susan), Anthony (Barbara), and Nancy (Bill), Bobby, Lisa (Steve), as well as his many cousins Nicholas, Thomas (Shannon), Irene (Kyle), Johnny, Madeline, Filippo, Emma, Nicholas, Anthony and Angelo. Philip was predeceased by many special relatives, including grandparents, Benjamin, and Sonia (Paul).

Philip was born in Syosset Hospital on Long Island, NY. He was the first born to his parents and first grandchild on both sides of the family. Philip was a very smart, passionate, considerate, loving, and happy child. Early on in preschool, his teacher told his father that Philip would one day be a leader. At less than 3 years of age, he was helping the other children in his class resolve conflicts and led the charge in making sure all the toys were shared and then put back in their places. Philip was misfortunately diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) just short of his 4th birthday in October of 1994. Life would change significantly, for now Philip needed to battle and fight cancer. At one point in late 1995, he had relapsed and this time the cancer had traveled into his Central Nervous System. In early 1996, just after his 5th birthday, Philip had a major cranial hemorrhage, which again would change the direction of his young life. He would need to not only once again learn to walk but would experience loss of functioning of his left hand, as well as weakness to his left side. Philip ultimately would require a Bone Marrow Transplant, and thanks to God’s grace, and a donor angel, Philip received his transplant. There is so much more to his battles and fights for life, but we will leave it here for now.

Over his life, Philip endured so much, but he NEVER let that stop him from fighting and caring for others. No matter what was happening in his life, he first wanted to know how you were and if you were taking care of yourself. Philip attended Bethpage High School, where he touched the lives of so many people, from other students to teachers, as well as the administrative staff. Philip attended both the Life’s WORC Day Habilitation program as well as the Community Habilitation program after high school, where he also made many friends and memories.

Philip had a unique and special relationship with each of his grandparents, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins, no two alike, always based on their common interests, which made each that much more special as it was always based on that connection the two shared. Philip lived his life as best as he could, given all the challenges that he faced and never stopped laughing, smiling, and loving. A hero to many, especially his father, mother, and stepmother who shared a very close and special connection, bond and friendship. The best way to describe Philip would be to say anyone who crossed paths with him felt enriched, uplifted, and loved.

The family asks on Philip’s behalf that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to either the Make a Wish Foundation or the Ronald McDonald House.

Visitation services will be held at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, located at 315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735. The visitation will occur on November 12, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. An additional visitation will take place on November 13, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Martin of Tours RC Church, 220 Central Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714, on November 14, 2025, at 10:00 am.