Phillip J Justich

On the afternoon of June 21, 2022, Phillip Justich of Mount Vernon, NY peacefully passed away at the age of 74 with his daughter Cheryl by his side.  
Known to many as Phil, he was born to the late John and Mary Justich on May 5, 1948 in Bronx, NY. He was the older brother to his sister Lorraine (Levins).
After honorably serving in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970, Phil began a career with New York Telephone Company. It was when he was working in New York City where he met the late Rosemary (Paccione) who he later fell in love with and married. They started their life together living in Mount Vernon, NY and had three beautiful children, Jeannine, Cheryl, and Phillip. 
As his children were growing, he continued his career within the phone company. Before retiring from Verizon in 2003, Phil briefly co-owned and operated Tina's Kitchen Delicatessen in Mount Vernon with his life-partner Maria (Tomeo - Mastrogiorgio), who he later married in 1998.
Phil was father to his three children, Jeannine (Chris), Cheryl (Sashi) Jarosz, and Phillip (Elizabeth) Justich. He was stepfather to Nicholas Mastrogiorgio and Jennifer (Michael) Quirk, and known as Pop-Pop to his eight grandchildren, Rosemary and Christopher Thornton, Alexandria and Aksel Jarosz, Phillip and Grace Justich, and Anthony and Michael Mastrogiorgio. The birth and presence of each of his grandchildren brought him so much joy and happiness.
Phil was a good neighbor and a friend to many, always lending a helping hand. He loved to laugh, eat good food, and play cards. He was a man's man and in his spare time enjoyed playing darts and shooting pool. He was an avid bowler- he never had a 300 game, but in his best game he did throw 11 strikes in a row, scoring a 299! He was a passionate golfer- shooting an impressive 3 hole-in-ones, one of which was on a par 4! But above all, Phil was an enthusiastic fisherman. Until the end of his days, his true passion was fishing. He loved being on a boat with his poles and taught each of his children and grandchildren how to fish. 
Phil will forever be remembered for his sense of humor, his great loyalty, his utmost generosity and his admirable strength. As tough of an exterior as he had, Phil would turn to mush in the presence of animals and children, especially his grandchildren. Phil was known to many as Uncle Phil, Philly Willy, and Buddy, but was most fondly known as Dad and Pop-Pop. 
While his passing has left his family heartbroken, they are grateful for the many memories that will live on forever.