Philip Miele

Philip William Miele, 87, was born on November 24, 1938, in Newark, New Jersey, to Marcellus (William) Miele and Filippina (Phylis) Di Pisa. At the time of his passing, he resided in Pittsfield, New York, and was formerly of Columbus and Earlville, New York.

Phil leaves behind his beloved wife of 42 years, SueAnne Homann Miele; his children, Nicholas and Leslie Miele, Michael and Nancy Miele, Paul Rainford, Rebekah and Matthew Cox, John and Erin Miele, and Christine and Wyatt MacLaury; 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two more great-grandchildren on the way.

He is also survived by his sisters, Allessandra Cavezza, Carmela Miele, and Maryann Minkler; his sister-in-law, Jane Miele; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Leo and Bobby Miele, and his granddaughter, Jilly Ann.

As a young adult, Phil proudly served in the New Jersey Army National Guard.

Phil was a man of many wonderful qualities, but above all, he had a big, beautiful heart. Lovingly and jokingly known around Earlville as “Filthy Phil,” he was rarely far from pizza dough—often up to his elbows in it, and sometimes even up to his eyebrows!

Phil owned and operated Pizza Plus in Earlville for more than 15 years before retiring from the business. He then began working at Colgate University, where he spent more than 22 years cooking and making pizza for the students, continuing to work until the age of 86. Phil was a hardworking man throughout his life, always building, fixing, creating, or finding something to do. He truly never knew how to sit still.

Before settling into his years in Earlville, Phil owned pizzerias and luncheonettes in Iselin, Oak Tree, and Whitehouse, New Jersey. Even after all these years, people fondly reminisced about his pepperoni sticks, his pizza, and the memories they made growing up around Pizza Plus.

When he wasn't working, Phil enjoyed building his house in Columbus, where he found simple pleasures in sitting on the front porch, watching the world go by. He even discovered a bit of a farmer in himself, helping care for the many farm animals and building barns, fences, and chicken coops. Whether he was in the kitchen, working on his home, or lending a hand around the farm, Phil was happiest when he had something to do.

Phil's generosity was just as memorable as his cooking. There was always an “extra” pie ready to share with a family who might need a helping hand, even late at night. He never knew a stranger, although he didn't always know anyone's name! “Hey, Guy!” or “Hey, Lady!” was his familiar greeting to just about everyone he met. His warmth, humor, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on the people fortunate enough to know him.

Phil worked hard throughout his life, but his family was always an important part of who he was. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who shared his smile, laughter, and big heart with those he loved.

Phil will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Though their hearts are heavy with his passing, his loved ones take comfort in knowing that he has gone home to be with Jesus. His love, laughter, generosity, and the memories he left behind will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.