Philip Gary Yedwab

Philip Gary Yedwab, born on March 23, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, peacefully passed away in his sleep at Avalon Memory Care in Carrollton, TX on March 29, 2025, at the age of 83. Phil's life was a testament to his deep sense of curiosity, boundless work ethic, and unwavering love for his family. As a young man, he explored a variety of jobs that shaped his adventurous spirit and strong commitment to hard work. He worked as a beach chair attendant in Long Beach, New York, served ice cream at a parlor, and had the unforgettable experience of walking the stadium stairs at Yankee Stadium, selling orange drinks to the crowds. A proud graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, Phil later attended Hunter College part-time. Rather than being drafted into the military during the Vietnam War, he chose to serve in the Air National Guard Reserves. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for computers, setting him on a successful career path as a systems analyst. Phil, a proud Bronx native, met Diane Ellen Faigin, a Brooklynite, while they were both vacationing with friends in the Pocono Mountains. Their cross-borough romance blossomed over a year and a half of courting, and they married on December 25, 1965. Together, they built a life filled with love, first in Forest Hills, Queens, and later in Kingsbridge Heights on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. In 1982, they made the bold decision to move to Plano, Texas, where they continued to create lasting memories with their children and, later, their grandchildren. Outside of his professional life, Phil was a passionate philatelist (stamp collector), where he expanded his knowledge about history, science, geography, and many other subjects. His expertise was vast, and he could engage in a conversation on nearly any topic. An avid sports enthusiast, Phil enjoyed playing paddleball and basketball, and though an injury in his 40s ended his playing days, his love for the games remained strong. This passion for basketball helped him stay connected to his cognition during his later struggles with dementia. In 2021, Phil and Diane both contracted Covid-19 before the vaccine became available. Tragically, Diane passed away, leaving Phil to navigate life without his beloved wife of 55 years. As a naturally social person, Phil moved into an assisted living facility, where signs of dementia began to appear. After two years, it became clear that he needed more specialized care, and he moved into a memory care facility. Phil is survived by his sister, Isabel; his son, Alan; his daughter, Eileen; his son’s wife, Betty; and his cherished grandchildren, Jackie and Michael. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, he requested donations be made to Dementia research at the Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/

Philip Gary Yedwab

March 23, 1942 - March 29, 2025