Philip Joseph Garbo

Philip Joseph Garbo July 13, 1944 – August 23, 2026

Phil was born July 13, 1944 in Maryland to John Garbo and Jean (Prior) Garbo, he was the second of their three children, Nancy, Phil and Jack. From the beginning, Phil brought a special energy to his family and everyone around him. 

He attended Willoughby South High School, graduating in 1962. He wrestled and played football. He had a wonderful way of making people laugh. During his senior year, Willoughby South won the NEC Wrestling Championship, a memory Phil carried with him throughout his life.

Phil loved adventure and the open road. He especially enjoyed traveling out West, with Texas, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park among his favorite places. Phil enjoyed a trip to Italy with his father and step-mother Micky and her two sons, Bob and Jim Lightheizer. 

Phil was the namesake of his grandfather, Philip Garbo. Grandpa Garbo was the owner of the The Italian Fresco and Decorating Co. and he created the Italian Cultural Garden in Cleveland. Phil felt very fortunate to grow up in Willoughby Hills on his families’ beautiful horse farm located on Chardon and Rockefeller roads. The property included a pool, bunkhouse and two barns along with an iconic white fence. 

He was also a proud member of the Army National Guard. He attended Ohio University and The Ohio State University, but eventually chose a different path, joining his father in the family’s successful painting company. In time, Phil opened his own painting business, Garbo III, taking pride in building something of his own. 

In 1983, Phil married Patty and welcomed her children into his heart and family, legally adopting them and becoming their dad in every way that mattered. In 1985, his son Philip, affectionately known as “Flippy,” was born, followed three years later by his son John, or “JR.”. Phil later became a proud grandfather to Cora and Nyssa.Family was always at the heart of Phil’s life. 

Even as Alzheimer’s took away pieces of his memory, certain moments remained. He would still reminisce about taking Cora to eat at Cracker Barrel—a simple family outing that had become a treasured memory. It was a reminder that while memories may fade, the love behind them remains. 

Phil’s home on Dines Road was one of his greatest accomplishments and sources of pride. It was more than a house; it was a family project and a place filled with memories. Phil, Patty, and the kids worked together to perfect every detail, right down to choosing which side of each rock should face out on the fireplace. 

Phil loved the land—the soil, the water, the fresh air, the barns, and all the open space. It was a place for snowmobiling, horseback riding, gatherings with family and friends, and countless hours spent outside enjoying the life he had built. He especially loved his horses and participated in “cutting,” a special horse-vs-cow competition, with his beloved horse, Hanky Panky. Together they earned several trophies, creating memories Phil was proud to share. 

Phil valued his friends as much as his family. His high school friendships remained important throughout his life, and he was very involved with the Willoughby South Alumni.