Phillip J. Angello

Phillip “Phil” John Angello, of Wayne, NJ passed away peacefully on September 7, 2022 with tears in his eyes, hand-in-hand with his beloved daughter by his side. Phil was 78 years old.

Born in Passaic, NJ to the late Phillip (1989) and Mary (2002) Angello, Phil Angello was the youngest of three children. Upon graduating from Garfield High School in 1964, Phil courageously entered the Air Force, proudly serving his country as a Staff Sargent with the 170th Civil Engineering Flight. After receiving an honorable discharge, Phil entered his trade and developed his craft as a union recognized plumber working for nearly 30 years.

Many of those years found him stationed at the Meadowlands racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Phil loved being at the stables and his love of animals meant that he spent much of his downtime admiring the horses. He was even known to rescue stray cats from the racetrack. When needing to refuel, Phil often patronized Pegasus, a well-known restaurant in the stadium, where he was known to always “sneak something off any passing plate.”

Phil’s career not only included his professional occupation, but also spanned a variety of other ventures which included a first responder at the World Trade Center after 9/11 as well as an entrepreneur delving into real estate and other businesses. Phil’s various enterprises included owning and operating greenhouses and tropical plant wholesale.

Phil possessed an adventurous and generous spirit. When not working, Phil could be found engaging in hobbies that ignited his passions. Racing fast cars, hunting and freshwater fishing were among a few of his interests. Although a hunter, Phil cared deeply for nature and enjoyed the outdoors. He would often share stories of his encounters with ailing animals, taking them into his home while nursing them back to health or even keeping them as pets. When inside Phil’s home, it was obvious that gardening was another passion as evidenced by thriving tropical plants. Phil took pride in learning and educating himself in botany and his expertise in this area was realized through his uncanny ability to provide the scientific name of any plant or tree he encountered.

Phil was hard to miss when he walked into a room; he transformed the energy with an endless supply of jokes and stories. Being with and around Phil guaranteed all that were in his company a good laugh. One of Phil’s favorite holiday activities involved dressing up as Santa Claus during Christmas. He loved giving gifts, especially to the children in his life. Knowing that he brought happiness to his loved ones provided Phil with an infinite amount of joy. Nothing in the world meant more to Phil than spending time with those he loved.

Although some may describe Phil as “a little rough around the edges,” like a diamond, he was unique and spectacular. Phil possessed a heart of gold, was loving and caring. Phil especially shined when someone was down on their luck, lonely or truly needed a friend. Phil’s unconditional commitment to those he loved was selfless, authentic, and genuine. His life, particularly in our world today, should aim to inspire how we all treat each other, especially in times of strife and suffering.

Angello, stemming from the Greek word ‘angelos’ means “messenger” from God. For those in need, many are able to share stories of instances in where Phil impacted their life just by being there for them. Phil Angello was the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He truly was a guardian angel and touched the lives of those around him and those that needed him. He will be sorely missed by all who saw his true colors.

Comfort lies in the knowledge that Phil fulfilled his life’s purpose as he has left a legacy and carried out his behests. This is now Phil’s time to take the special seat saved just for him in heaven. Phil was not only devoted to his family, but he was also dedicated to his Catholic Faith and being a son of God.  He was a parishioner to Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne for many years.

In lieu of flowers, please submit a funny or heartfelt memory, story on how Phil impacted your life to kcappelli03@aol.com or consider a donation in Phil’s name to PanCan (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network) 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 http://www.pancan.org or the Lustgarten Foundation, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797 http://www.lustgarten.org