Philip Frederick Weingartner

Phil Weingartner left this earth in the early morning of October 11, 2026 after having a long running diagnosis of Parkinson’s, which never seemed to slow him down. He experienced life joyfully, with gentle humor, a quick intelligence and a loving heart. After a full career using his Chemical Engineering Master’s degree, he joined an energetic group of guys at Habitat for Humanity in Pomona Valley and ended up working unceasingly with them for 10 years. Whether it was working as a engineer expert, a corporate manager over 25 people, or tirelessly building Habitat houses, Phil gave everything he had to a situation to make it better. Colleagues and employees knew and loved Phil as their Beloved Mentor.

Phil was born in Orange, New Jersey on August 10, 1948 to loving parents Ruth Dunn Weingartner and Phil Weingartner, Sr., just back from WWII in France. Phil had an older brother Allen, 2 years older, and a younger brother Warren, 2 years younger. When Phil was 4 years old, his father was unexpectedly diagnosed with stomach cancer and quickly passed away. Ruth had to raise 3 young boys, but did it graciously with the help of her strong Catholic faith, the Queen of Peace Church in North Arlington NJ, a new job at Prudential Insurance and her parents moving in with her and the boys. Phil attended Catholic Elementary and High School, earning highest marks with straight A’s, and excelling at tennis, which would become his lifelong passion. Upon high school graduation, Phil landed a full scholarship at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), graduating 4.0 with a Master’s Degree in Chem-E. He loved his field and thrived in it thereafter.

Moving to Los Angeles in 1977 for chemical job opportunities, Phil also enjoyed riding his bike in the California sunshine, traveling from sea to shining sea on wonderful trips, and continuing a deep commitment to his Catholic faith, being one of it’s founding members at St. Peter & Paul in Alta Loma. There, he joined it’s folk singing cantor group as audio/visual expert and later at OLA Catholic in Claremont, when the popular folk music group, now called “The Messengers”, was asked to relocate to help them out.

Phil is survived by his many many friends, whom he loved so dearly. And by daughters Ruthanne Kikawa (Jonathan, husband) and Lauren Hatfield (Cameron, husband) and grandchildren Peyton, Caleb, Emma and Quinn. Also by his brother Warren and sister-in-law Irene, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Phil was genuinely gracious to all he met, and walked through the world with great generosity, with an easy smile, and with compassion, courage and love. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.