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Westbrook
Philip John Mongillo, Jr. of Westbrook, died peacefully at Connecticut Hospice on Thursday, November 29, 2012 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Derby, CT on December 13, 1924, he was the son of the late Filippo and Barbara (Botti) Mongillo. Philip served in the US Navy and the US Marines during World War II, and was assigned to the First Battalion, 28th Marines, serving in the medical corps. His battalion landed on Iwo Jima at Green Beach on the first day of the battle in February 1945. Philip was wounded during the fighting and was awarded the Purple Heart and a Presidential Battalion Citation. After the war, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Fairfield University and was a member of the college's first graduating class in 1951. For 34 years, he worked for Monsanto in Deep River, researching plastics. After retiring from Monsanto, Philip developed a passion for long-distance running and ran in countless races and marathons, participating in the Boston Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC for many years. As a result of his avid interest in running, he was able to represent Connecticut and the United States in the Senior Olympics, not only throughout the United States, but in Japan, Finland, Great Britain and South Africa. He was a founding member of St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Westbrook and enjoyed serving the church for many years by coordinating bingo and the annual church fairs, as well as serving for many years as a trustee of the church. Philip was a member and past president of the Iwo Jima Survivors and was a frequent guest speaker at local schools on Veterans Day, where he enjoyed relating his experiences to students. In addition, he had the opportunity to return to Iwo Jima on the fiftieth anniversary of the battle where he met with both American and Japanese survivors of the battle. Philip was also an avid gardener and was known for the wonderful tomatoes he grew and generously shared with so many people. He was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Barbara (Mongillo) Tiano and a brother, Louis Mongillo. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sylvia (Bartone) Mongillo and their three children Debra A. D'Errico of Arlington, VT, Denise A. Christensen of Middletown, NY and Phillip J. Mongillo, III of Branford. He also leaves two beloved grandchildren, Julianne L. Miller of Westbrook and Robert O. Christensen of Wethersfield. Grampy will be sadly missed by his loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 6, at noon at St. Mark's Church, 222 McVeagh Rd, Westbrook. Calling hours are in the church Thursday, December 6, from 10 am until noon, preceding the service. Burial will be private. Swan Funeral Home of Old Saybrook has charge of arrangements. For online tributes and condolences, please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 23, 2012
Robin Purcell
Aunt Sylvia, Denise, Debbie and Jay:
I just heard today about Uncle Phil. I am so very sorry.
He was a sweet man and I know that he will be missed by everyone.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Robin Bartone Purcell
December 11, 2012
beverly dellarocco
Auntie Sylvia, Debbie, Denise and Jay, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Phil today. If I had heard earlier I would have attended the wake. Please forgive me. Your husband and father was a wonderful man and complete gentleman who was admired by many and lived a full life. I know your hearts are breaking, but just remember how much love he shared with you and many others. Love, Cousin Bevy
December 7, 2012
Patricia McKinley
My deepest sympathies to you, Debbie, and all your family. Despite your loss, I hope you are left with many happy memories, peaceful hearts, and gratitude for your father's life. May it be some small comfort to know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Pat McKinley (Mercy '70)
December 6, 2012
Semper Fi Marine. Bon Voyage. Till we meet in God's New Jerusalem guarding Heaven's streets of Gold.
Ray Carrier, Prospect, CT
December 4, 2012
LEW AND REGINA MOSTOWY
DEAR SYLIVA: WE GO A LONG WAY BACK.WE FEEL LIKE FAMILY. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU, THE CHILDREN AND THE NEXT GENERATION. EVERY TIME WE PASS A ROADRUNNER (HUMAN TYPE), WE WILL KEEP LOOKING FOR PHIL. OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY TO ALL, LEW & REGINA
December 4, 2012
james leardi
Phil was a great guy and friend who will be missed dearly.
December 4, 2012
Janet and Frank Conaci
Denise and Rob: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are both very sorry for your loss, and send you a lot of love.
December 3, 2012
Bernadette Anglace LaRocque
My thoughts and prayers are with you Sylvia and your family. Phil was my Godfather and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Bernadette Anglace LaRocque, Kennesaw, Georgia.
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