Philip Giaramita

Philip Giaramita was born on January 29th, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York. He is survived by his sister Eva, of Peoria, Az., many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. His parents were Salvatore Giaramita and Theresa Terranova, immigrants from Sicily, Italy. His father was a preacher, and his mother was a homemaker. Philip, the second born of six children, had four sisters: Lena, Maria, Rose, and Eva, and one brother, Sal. It wasn't easy growing up during the depression; as a young child, he went to live with his Uncle Vito and Aunt Jenny (Anna). They took very good care of him during most of his childhood, and he was still able to visit his parents, brother, and sisters, since they lived nearby. He was very loved by both his immediate family, and his Uncle Vito and Aunt Jenny, who raised him most of his childhood. He loved Italian opera and classical music. He graduated from Sewanhaka High School in 1939, and later in 1943, went into the army air corp, serving for four years. As an aircraft mechanic, he contributed to the war effort during World War II.

Phillip married Dorthea, and they remained committed for nearly fifty years, until her passing in Jan. 1995. She was a dedicated wife to him, and in turn, he cared for her when she was ill. During his life, he made orthoses, owned a business, and drove an ambulance in New York. Years later in the late 70's, he and Dorthea moved to Arizona, and he began work at the Palo Verde Nuclear Plant doing construction. After retirement, he kept busy with family and friends, and had a special interest in his hobby of making leaded glass decor.

In October, 1995 he married Sandra and had an active life until sadly, he was affected with Alzheimer's. Sandra became his main caregiver until her passing in 2013. He had five stepchildren and several step grandchildren that loved him very much and helped to take care of him. His surviving sister Eva, nephew Robert, nephew Peter, and his wife Maggie would also come to visit him when they could, as he meant a lot to them.

Phil always had a great sense of humor and made light of everything. He didn't let many things bother him, and had a positive view on life. He was a wonderful, loving and sensitive man. He was a kind husband, dad, brother, uncle, and grandpa and touched many family and friends with his unique personality and the memorable stories of his experiences in the army and his times as a child.

Even as Alzheimer's affected his mind, he still amazed us with his quick wit. During the time at his care home, the staff took excellent care of him, as if he were their own. The hospice nurse and staff that cared for him were also such kind people. He will be greatly missed, as he was such an awesome blessing to our lives, and will remain in our thoughts forever. May he rest in peace with Jesus.

Viewing: Tues., Jan.13th: 10am-11am at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler, Az.

Service: Tues., Jan13th: 11am-12pm at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler, Az.

Graveside services: Tues., Jan.13th: 1:30pm at Veterans National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Az.