Philip Zaleon

Phil was a mere ten days shy of celebrating his 85th birthday. He is survived by his beloved family; daughter Lisa, son David, granddaughter LillyAnna, sister Martha, and multiple generations of extended family.

He was married for 55 years to his beloved wife, Susan “Sue” Aaronson Zaleon, known to many as “Mrs. Z,” a revered teacher, counselor, and leader in our private educational community. Susan proceeded Philip in death late June of 2022.

Philip was a native of Syracuse, New York. In 1980, he and Sue chose to move the family to Greensboro, North Carolina. They discovered the connectedness and traditions intrinsic to the community here in Greensboro qualities that Philip relished. He spent his professional career as a practicing Pharmacist, working diligently in independent and franchise stores. People who knew Phil could count on an incredibly agile mind, clever wit, and a devotion to making sure that all people in his realm were well taken care of, his own family always first on his mind. Philip was community contributor to both B’nai Shalom Day School and Beth David Synagogue where he enjoyed the human links he forged as much as serving in various roles.

His life passions were travel, deconstruction of current affairs, and his extensive knowledge and appreciation for the world. An avid fan as well as a keen practitioner of multiple arts, a history buff, and one who embraced a scientific perspective, Phil loved his journeying explorations with his wife. His many trips to Israel helped solidify and bolster his lifelong cultural identity to Judaism and nurture his love for the Jewish State. Phil took immense joy in navigating European museums filled with the Master works he grew up admiring. Preeminently though, his soulful spot was in the Southwestern U.S. where he journeyed repeatedly with Sue absorbing the majesty and native culture that brought him notable threads of peace. The collection of his own photographic works, from around the world, and right next door were perfectly and painstakingly edited, highlighting not only Phil’s artistic talent but his favorite people, places, and experiences. His legacy lives on in his works. We will all miss him tremendously.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, October 27th at the Greensboro Hebrew Cemetery, 2911 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403.