Philip J. Kolenda

On June 5, 2024, of Rio Grande.  Age 73.  Beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Coyoe).  Devoted father of Michelle Sims (John), Kellie Kolenda, and Matthew Kolenda.  Loving grandfather of Brayden, Benjamin, Bryan, Camryn, Tyler, and Dylan.  Dear brother of Joseph (Kim).

Philip J. Kolenda

On June 5, 2024, of Rio Grande.  Age 73.  Beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Coyoe).  Devoted father of Michelle Sims (John), Kellie Kolenda, and Matthew Kolenda.  Loving grandfather of Brayden, Benjamin, Bryan, Camryn, Tyler, and Dylan.  Dear brother of Joseph (Kim).

Phil was the oldest of two boys to parents Rosa and Leonard. His parents and his brother Joe, lived in Philadelphia and spent summers at their shore house in Wildwood, where his love of those Wildwood days began.

Growing up Phil was an amazing athlete and loved playing sports. He excelled in everything he played, especially basketball and baseball, passing his talents down to his children and grandchildren.

After graduation he began to work for Philadelphia Electric Company as a lineman and eventually met the love of his life, Betsy. The couple married in May of 1975, just celebrating their 49^th wedding anniversary. He and Betsy eventually moved to Washington Township and started their life and a family there, raising 3 children. Coaching his children in sports was his pride and joy. He loved being a hands-on father and being there for his kids for everything they were involved in. Phil was very involved in the church and Knights of Columbus.

He loved nothing more than being “Popi”. His grandsons were his greatest life joy. He loved watching them play their own sports, but his favorite was spending his time with them and fishing with them and just laughing at his house. He had a special relationship with his boys.

Phil spent his retirement in the Wildwood area, enjoying sitting in the sun and spending his days with his Betsy. He loved gardening and loved to maintain his lawn like no other.

To know Phil, was to love him. He was definitely one of a kind and made his wife and children’s life more interesting. He will be greatly missed by all that loved him.

Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation Tuesday 10:30 am to 12:00pm at the Church of the Holy Family, 226 Hurffville Road, Washington Twp.  Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 pm.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”