Birth date: May 26, 1953 Death date: Jul 7, 2025
Phillip M. Gialanella, age 72, went to be with Jesus on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was born May 26, 1953, to Ralph and Delphia (née Hills) Gialanella in Jackson, MI. Phil graduated from Jackson High School Read Obituary
Phillip was actually survived by a sister as well and a nice as well as two nephews. His niece Ashley was pretty close to Uncle Phillip and Connie had decided to leave this part of the family out as well as another niece Melissa. Conni failed to tell my part of the family about his death until August 19th when Ashley had to call and ask how he was..
When I first visited Fellowship Church in 1989, I met with the youth and youth volunteers. Phil had already been serving faithfully with the youth and I could sense his deep commitment to them. When I was honored to become the youth minister, Phil came to me to tell me that he would resign so that I could build my own team. In shock, I quickly asked him to stay doing what he did so well, because I and the youth needed him. He graciously said yes. And thus began decades of youth ministry and friendship together. Phil dedicated a lot of his time and work for the youth at the weekly meetings, outings, camp outs, and the many mission trips. With Luke, Angie, and Wendy involved as student leaders, and Conni working with the junior high students and helping out behind the scenes for the high school group, the whole family was involved, serving and loving the students while they demonstrated their love for Jesus. Our own families had special meals together and even traveled to Acadia National Park in Maine together for a wonderful camping trip. I miss our times together, but I thank God for the memories and for all that Phil and his family were for me and so many others. - Jerry Worrel
We met Phil and Conni at Wickham Campground, in Florida. Many of fun times playing cards. Covid didn't even stop us. We played cards at our house or Craig and Sue's house. Veterans day, Phil, Tim and I went to all the free places to eat. I gave Phil my Lo ngdoggers meal ticket and Phil was in his glory. Never did that before, but Phil encouraged me. We came up to his home about 2 weeks before he passed, talked about old times, ate and played cards for the last time. He beat us all!!! We'll miss him and all his shenanigans, but most of all his friendship. See you in Heaven.
Suzanne and I met Conni and Phil at Norton Pines Athletic Club. It was the water aerobic class that connected us. Phil and I quickly became friends with similar intetests. We both enjoyed camping, motorcycling, travels, belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and family values. Phil always told me what his grandma said, "the Lord takes care of fools and idiots". That made Phil and me believe we were in good hands. Phil assisted me after I had a serious fall on ice where I tore my quadricep tendin requiring emergency surgery. After some recovery he would pick me up at my house, take me to the pool at Norton Pines and help me with my PT exercises. We did many of motorcycle rides and trips, too. We had great conversations and laughs galore. I will truely miss my best friend, Phil. Love ya, buddy!
Greg and Suzanne Miller
The best pool Santa ever! As a long time participant with Norton Pines water aerobics, Phil became everyone's favorite participant. He attended with discipline and dedication almost every day. Always in good humor, he even wore a Santa hat during our December classes. As his instructor, I came to appreciate Phil's wry sense of humor., always giving the other participants something to laugh about. When he thought some of our exercises were a little tough, he referred to them as water boarding and preferred to skip them, doing "his own version" instead. Creative! The Bobbleheads will miss Phil, but will cherish our many memories together ❤️
My late husband &I met Phil & Connie in Norton Pines Swim class. Phil was such fun!! His laugh made u laugh too! He was also compassionate & caring. He will be missed 😢
I love you Phil!
The memories I have of Phil are of taking water aerobics at Norton Pines with Connie and Phil. Phil always had a smile and was always talking. Good times. - Shelly Westhof
