Philipp Johann Trofibio

Born in Hochstadt an der Aisch, Bavaria, Germany, Philip was the son of August W. and Elizabeth Trofibio. At just six months old, at the close of World War II, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean with his family. He grew up in Lake Carmel and Ozone Park, New York, with his German mother, Italian American father, and three younger siblings. In 1966, the family moved to Hollywood, Florida.

Philip attended Broward Community College and completed extensive technical training through Bell South and AT&T, which led to a distinguished career. Beginning as a Cable Splicing Technician, he advanced through several supervisory and managerial roles before retiring as a Building Industry Consultant Engineer (B.I.C. Engineer).

Phil met Elsa in 1968 at a bowling alley in North Miami, where she was part of a league and he was working. They married on August 15, 1970, and recently celebrated their 55th anniversary. Together they raised three children: Katherine (b. 1971), Jennifer (b. 1973), and Philip John, Jr. “PJ” (b. 1981), in Hollywood and later Malabar, Florida, where they built their family home.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elsa; children Katherine, Jennifer, and PJ; grandchildren Etienne, Lorenzo, Micah, Lorelei, Jacqueline, and Nikoli; and his “dog-daughter,” Renee. He is also survived by his siblings Anna Marie Griffin, Michael Trofibio, and Elizabeth Halbert; and his nieces and nephews Darrin Griffin, Heidi Calabrese, Michelle Fowkes, Michael Trofibio, Andrew McGarrell, and Alexis Halbert. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Virgil (Lee) Griffin.

Phil will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. A hardworking provider, he embodied loyalty, resilience, and strength. His positive outlook, strong will, and encouraging words inspired those around him to persevere through life’s challenges. Known for his warm and charismatic personality, Phil offered love and guidance freely, often reminding his loved ones: “Do what makes you happy and pay your bills,” “Play with your animals because it will lower your blood sugar,” and “Spread your wings and fly.”

Above all, Phil’s enduring love for his family, especially Elsa, his lifelong partner, was the foundation of his life. He was admired for his dedication, dependability, and commitment to providing for his family, always with affection and selflessness.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 5330 NE Babcock St., Palm Bay, FL. A Celebration of Life reception will follow from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 6725 Babcock St., Malabar, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center.