Support Philip's Final Journey

Phil passed away on December 15, 2024

It saddens me to write this because if you have ever gotten a chance to meet Philip Smith Jr. you know that he is a great person to be around with such an infectious smile and personality that would leave a positive impression on anyone he came in contact with. Philip loved his job at Resco and wanted to make a career out of employment there in hopes to retire there one day.

Unfortunately, on January 13th, 2024 he was diagnosed with Stage IV Gastric Cancer. At that time surgery was not an option and he was statistically given a 16-24 month time line. Philip being the God fearing prayerful and optimistic man he is gave a good fight. While still trying to work at Resco he went through rounds of chemotherapy and radiation while also treating the cancer with holistic remedies. Unfortunately the cancer continued to spread and metastasized to his lymph nodes, lining of chest wall, skin and bones. This has made things very difficult for Philip to continue working while fighting this aggressive illness. His hospitalizations continued to become more frequent as he acquired blood infections, blood pressure issues and other complications from cancer. After being hospitalized in Shadyside Hospital since November 15th, doctors, family and Philip decided to bring him home on December 7th where Hospice care would start as his 16-24 month time line was shortened to longs days-short weeks.

Philip is at home amongst his family which includes his wife Kyla and step children Anthony and Paige and grandson Alijah. Any chance Phil gets he is watching ESPN Sports Center as he is an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan since he was born and raised in Trenton New Jersey until relocation to Pittsburgh in 2001 at the age of 19.

As you can imagine, Philip requires 24-hr care causing family to provide direct care to him and recently his wife taking FMLA to stay home. Any contribution, big or small is greatly appreciated to help offset costs in his care and plan to give him his peaceful eternal rest that he deserves.