In Memory of

Phillip William Unti

May 16, 1936 - January 14, 2016

Obituary

Phillip William Unti, 79, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on January, 14, 2016, peacefully at rest with his wife and family members by his side.

Phillip was born at home in West Allis, Wisconsin, on May 16, 1936 to Phillip and Eleanor Unti. He had three sisters. He was predeceased by Betty and Yvonne, and is survived by Janet Grabarkiewicz. He graduated from West Allis Central High School and continued on to receive an Associate Degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Phillip was married to Barbara Unti (nee Brucks) on February 1, 1986; they were married 30 years. Phillip worked for the Wisconsin Electric Power Company for 32 years. He was a volunteer fireman and served as an American Legion Post Commander for Post 449 in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. He also served as a member of the Largo Elks Lodge 2159 and was a fourth degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Council Number 7109. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958 as an atomic energy fusing system specialist. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Airforce Outstanding Unit Award. Phillip loved life, good food, travel, family and friends. He also enjoyed cooking (which he learned from his Italian Nonna), gardening, and was a master story and joke teller.

Phillip was a loving father of five children: Phillip Unti, Jr., Eileen Wagner, Michelle Henke (Allen), Allyn Lahti (Daniel), and Sheryl Helmkamp (Kevin).

He had 11 grandchildren: Brittany Schmidtke (Eric), Jenny Aberin (Frances), Shannon Wagner, Amber Konop (Joseph), Megan Henke, Erin Chastain (Terry), Danny Lahti (Lacey), Justin Helmkamp, Jordan Helmkamp, Hannah Tezak , and Ellie Unti, as well as 9 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held in both Florida and Wisconsin.

A Memorial Mass will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 10:30AM at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #7109 for the Bay Pines "Wheelchair Fundraiser".

SYLVAN ABBEY FUNERAL HOME AND SYLVAN ABBEY CEMETERY

2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759 | 727-796-1992  |  2860 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759 | 727-796-1992 | MAP