Mr. Philip J. "Phibby" Scampone

UTICA - Mr. Philip J. “Phibby” Scampone went home to the Lord in the comfort and dignity of his home, with his entire family by his side, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the age of 80. Philip was born in Utica on August 3, 1942, to the late Anthony J. “Skirm” and Rose M. (Fanelli) Scampone. He attended Mary Street Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1960. He continued on to Utica College of Syracuse University where he majored in Business, graduating in 1965. During the Vietnam War, Philip enlisted with the U.S. Army Reserves and completed basic training at Fort Dix. Many precious friendships came from his time in the service. He especially admired his Commander who had lost his own son in the war. Phibby was so emotionally impressed that his Commander joined in the Memorial Day parades and marched alongside his comrades, a true sign of heroism. At first sight, the former Carol A. LaPaglia found her true love, and on October 8, 1966, Phibby and Carol were wed. Phibby was Carol’s rock. He always put family first. His mother-in-law’s sentiments were, “he was like a piece of bread.” Their 56-year marriage grew stronger each year through love, devotion and trust, the hallmark of their marriage. Phibby and Carol loved to dance and never missed an opportunity to do so. So many special memories of their travels include Las Vegas, Florida and Jamaica, to name a few. The most memorable of all their journeys was when they celebrated their 40th anniversary in Italy with their best friends “his gumbada Don” and Barbara Rossi. At one time, Phibby was employed at the Oneida County Probation Department. In 1968 he accepted a position with Colgate-Palmolive Co. Sales Department. This position allowed him to showcase his personality as a salesman and gave him the opportunity to travel on the open road, with the windows down and radio on and time to clear his mind. An entrepreneur at heart, he was then proud to serve the patrons of the iconic Scampi’s Restaurant then located on Mohawk and Lansing. His passion for this calling came from his long part-time position at Ventura’s Restaurant; he considered the Venturas his second family. When Delores at Toni’s Sweet Shop retired, Phibby operated Toni’s Sweet Shop. Phibby became a funds auditor for the U.F.C.W. Local One. Phibby was most grateful to the late Joseph C. Talarico, Sr., President, and Patrick Cannistra for the opportunity to become a member of the U.F.C.W. Local One staff. Upon retiring from this position, Phibby realized total retirement was not for him. So, he took a part time position with Independent Courier, which he thoroughly enjoyed – once again, “on the road”. He held that position until his illness forced him to permanently retire. Phibby found pleasure in the simple things in life. Not one day went by that he did not ask about the wellbeing of his children and granddaughters. He was so grateful and appreciative of his Italian heritage. The success of raising his family came from the home. He believed that you need to give respect to get respect, and he was “old-school” when it came to raising his family. He had a weekly tradition that involved getting the donut order for “his girls” on Saturday night for his delivery on Sunday. It also always included a loaf of hot Italian bread. He was always a reliable man. Family dinners were paramount, and the tradition has been passed down to the next generation. Traditions from years gone by were always upheld, and Phibby and Carol assisted one another in the preparation of holiday meals. At one time, Phibby was a member of the Tau Phi Zeta Fraternity. He enjoyed baseball since the time he was a kid. He was an impressive third baseman. He was a diehard Yankees fan. He always watched the games and knew the game well. He was also a football fan; the Jets were his team and quarterback Joe “Willie” Namath was his favorite player. Phibby prayed quietly daily and lived a good life. He had hope that this would be reassurance that he would rest in God’s kingdom. He was a longtime member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Phibby is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Carol; and his precious blessings, his daughters, Gina M. Scampone Szuba and the late Walter J. “Wally” Szuba, and Carla R. and Daniel J. Dumoulin. He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren, Gianella Mari Szuba; Sophia Bella Dumoulin, and Mia Gabriella Dumoulin. His granddaughters filled his heart and soul… and he always concluded his visits and calls with “Papa loves you!” He is additionally survived by many nieces and nephews, including Christian and Janine Abraham; great-nieces, and great-nephews; numerous cousins, especially Sam Fanelli and his late wife Lorraine—they were the best of friends, Adele Reilly and her late husband Denny who were wonderful cousins and kept Phibby close to their heart, Ercole and Kathy Ventura, and Dan and Carm Vanno; his in-laws, James and Kate LaPaglia and their children, Jim LaPaglia, Alyssa and Ryan Estrella, Kathryn LaPaglia; and his great-niece, Giavonna Marie Estrella, Joseph and Fran LaPaglia and their children. A man like Phibby had met so many unique and wonderful friends throughout his life but it would be remiss not to mention the following: his best friend and gumbada, Dominick and his wife, Barbara Rossi, Dominick and Marie Viti, Ninni and Joy Ventura, Vic and Brenda Piperata, and Fran and Annette Paparella. They were all so kind and emotionally supportive. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Catherine LaPaglia, his sister, Angela Minicone and his nephew Derek Abraham. Welcoming Phibby at the Gates of Heaven with a cocktail will be his son-in-law Wally Szuba, and special friends Peter Rocci, Steve Marchitelli, Dennis Falange, Babe Tantillo, Jeff Daniels, and George LaNeve, Jr. Phibby’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Sultana Razia, who was a great support to Phibby and Carol; as well as her outstanding and compassionate staff and the “angels” of the infusion units at Slocum-Dickson and the Regional Cancer Center. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Family and friends are graciously invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street. This day dedicated to celebrating his earthly life would have been Phibby’s 81st birthday. Those unable to attend the Mass may be present virtually at https://www.youtube.com/c/stmaryofmountcarmelblessedsacrament. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery. “Drink up, all you people, order anything you see. Have fun, you happy people, the drinks and laughs are on me.”

Mr. Philip J. "Phibby" Scampone

August 3, 1942 - July 26, 2023