Philip Joseph Pillin

Poland- Philip J. Pillin, 90, of Poland, passed away on Saturday afternoon, February 8, 2025 in the comfort of his home that he built and loved surrounded by his loving family

He was born on April 7, 1934 in Youngstown, the son of Dominic and Geraldine (Calucchia) Pillin. Phil grew up on the Eastside and since he was the youngest child, Phil’s mother gave him the name “Philly” while his neighbors and friends called him “Babe”.

Phil was a 1952 graduate of Ursuline High School and after graduation he was employed as a mail clerk for Republic Steel. Phil then was drafted in 1957 and served in the United States Navy on the USS Chester T O’Brien as a radio sailor.  Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1959, Phil returned home and was employed by Jeswald & Sylvester Construction Firm. While working with them he also learned the trade of becoming a carpenter and later worked at Plaza Lumber.

Phil met the love of his life the former Mary Rita “Marie” Massaro and they were married on July 1, 1961 at St. Charles Borromeo Church. They were blessed with two children Phillip and Christine Marie and having a family, Phil decided to build a home in Poland with his skills that he learned with the help of his family and friends.

He returned to Republic Steel and Received his Transportation and Traffic Management Degree from Youngstown State University in 1975. He was promoted to representative for Republic Steel.

Phil was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, where he was an usher and an adult server for many years. Along with Marie they volunteered for the church spaghetti dinners and at their annual festivals alongside of their many friends from the parish. Phil was the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival’s Man of the Year for 2024.

Phil loved spending vacations with his family and after retirement Phil and Marie had two amazing trips to Rome and Sicily with their friends from church.

He leaves behind to hold onto his memories his beloved wife of over 63 years Mary Rita “Marie”, sharing their years with love, respect, and devotion,  his beloved children Phillip Pillin and Christine Cipriano with whom he loved, showing his devotion to them throughout his life , his three precious grandchildren who he adored and they loving called him PaPa; Annamarie Cipriano, Daniel (Danielle) Cipriano and Phillip J. Pillin, a sister-in-law Maryanne Pillin, and brother-in-law Dominic (Karen) Massaro along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Besides his parents, Phil was preceded in death by two brothers Carl and Dominic Pillin, his in laws who loved him, William and Anita Massaro and a sister-in-law JoAnn (Jack) Ziemianski and his nephew John Ziemianski.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

There will be a Funeral Mass on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mt. Carmel, Youngstown with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio as celebrant. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church on Friday morning to celebrate Phil’s mass. 

Private burial will take place at Poland Riverside Cemetery, Poland.

Phil’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice for all the care and compassion shown to them and Phil throughout this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made in Phil’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Rd., Building E, Suite 201, Canfield, Ohio 44406.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Phil’s family.

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