Philip Michael Pantana was born on July 10, 1946 in Lima, Ohio, the first born son of the late Joseph Thomas Pantana and the late Alma Shenk Pantana. Phil has two brothers, John and David, and a sister, Regina. They grew up in Northwest Ohio in a farming community where they attended Elida Mennonite School, within walking distance of their farm home on Bliss Road. After graduating from high school, Phil moved to Chicago and attended Moody Bible Institute and Midwestern Broadcasting School.
His educational experiences include a Bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, and three Master Degrees from: Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, VA, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX, and Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX. Phil was a faculty member of Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and taught in the areas of Communications, Music, and Theology. While at Liberty, he helped start the school Yearbook, Selah, the FM radio station, WRVL, and the Praise and Worship Studies program with Dr. Robert Webber.
Throughout his life, Phil was a true entrepreneur with a diverse personal and professional background. He was a published author, with several books on Christian views, politics, and family. Phil was a successful restaurateur. He owned and operated Gaetano's Italian-American Cafe, where he shared his passion for food inspired by his Italian heritage with the community. He also effectively marketed Gaetano’s Italian dressing, which became available in national grocery chains like Walmart and Wegmans.
At heart, Phil was a minister of music, an accomplished pianist, a talented public speaker and loved to make people laugh with his well timed family friendly jokes. Phil was known for his optimism and positive outlook on life, even in the face of great challenge and adversity. Alongside his brother John, and their wives, they founded the Pantana Family Quartet, recorded 6 albums, and shared their voices on the Old Time Gospel Hour Television Program hosted by Jerry Falwell Sr. Their uniquely blended harmonies and Gospel-centered music touched the hearts of millions in churches across the world for nearly three decades.
He is survived by his four sons: Philip, Andrew, Joe, and John Mark; his three siblings: John, Dave, and Regina; his eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Phil was deeply loved by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and we are excited to see him again in glory with Jesus.
In lieu of flowers or charity donations, we kindly request that any contributions go towards covering the funeral expenses and arrangements. You can donate at our GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/6787f244
