Philip Lombardi

Philip J. Lombardi, Lt. Col (Ret), US Army, 97 of Columbus, OH, surrounded by his loving family,was called to heaven on Jan. 3.  Born in Boston, MA and raised in Charlestown, MA, preceeded in death by his parents: Nunzio LaCascia & Giacomo Lombardi, brothers: Gaspare, Peter, Joseph, Salvatore; son, Robert Joseph Lombardi (Melissa), sisters: Antonina (Nina) Belmont, Westwood, MA) Marianna McGurty, Charlestown, MA. Grandchildren: Robert Joseph Lombardi, and Armida Lombardi. Survived by: his loving wife, Jeanne Kuechler Lombardi,  Jack and Karen Kuechler, Safety Harbor,FL, sisters: Josephine Masucci, Boston, and Nancy Lombardo, Charlestown, MA;  Ruth Lombardo, MO; children: Sharyn Portaro Pachnek, FL; Martina Rosen (Phillip) Columbus,OH; Maria Mazon (Ric) Columbus; Marianna Hein (John) Columbus,OH; Gina Griffith, Columbus,OH; Mario Lombardi (Katie); John Lombardi (Jackie) Cincinnati. Grandchildren: Maressa Valliant, Katarina Pachnek, Kenleigh (Brandon)Pachnek, RiannaPachnek, Christopher (Erin) Mazon; Lauren (Josh) Ohl, Cara Hein, Sean Lombardi, Jessica Treese (Ryan), Tony Hein, Jacob (Jesse) Rosen, Dominic Lombardi, Brandon Lombardi, Anthony Lombardi, Alyssa Mazon, Riley Griffith, Erin Lombardi, Margaret Rosen (Molly), Audrey Lombardi, Nina Lombardi, and Rose Lombardi.Great-grandchildren:  Braden Valliant, Brenna Valliant, Briley Valliant, Malique Cassells, Kiara Cassells, Kaliyah Jourdain, Brandon Jourdain, VinnyOhl, Theo Ohl, Brantley Treese, and Sophia Rosen.

Philip was the first member of his family to graduate from college,the first generation son of Italian American immigrants and one of 9 children. Philip graduated from Boston English High School, earned a football scholarship to attend the Citadel in SC and played quarterback.  In May 1943, after completing his final exams as Junior, Phil and all of his classmates withdrew from the university to enlist and attend basic training. He was a member of the 333rd Infantry Division Cannon Co Forward Observer, Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes Campaign, Bronze Star recipient, Army Commendation medal, National Service Defense medal, Army Campaign medal,Korean War service medal, and United Nations medal. Phil received a battlefield campaign promotion to 1st Lt. While he should have graduated from the Citadel in 1944, he was a part of “The Class That Never Was” as no graduation ceremony was held in the Spring of 1944.  Phil returned to the Citadel after serving in WWII and received his Bachelor’s degree in 1947.  Philip also served in Korean War.  At the completion of his military service, Philip transitioned to civilian life and settled in North Columbus. 

Defined by God, family and country, as part of “The Greatest Generation”, Philip was passionate about teaching children to swim at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Boston. He “always considered his fellow soldiers as family.” 

His civilian careers included The Ohio State University in Student Financial Aid Accounting, Battelle Memorial Institute, and Clerking for The Supreme Court of Ohio under Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, until retirement at the age of 70. 

An avid gardener, organic garlic grower, best Poppy ever, and patriarch of the family, he was always happy to share his knowledge, wisdom, and advice.

Many thanks to OhioHealth Hospice Care team, friends, family and loved ones for support and love. 

Calling hours: Wednesday, Jan 8, 4:30 PM-7:30 PM Egan-Ryan 4661 Kenny Rd. Funeral Mass 10 AM Thursday, Jan 9, St. Andrew Catholic Church 1899 McCoy Rd. Upper Arlington, OH. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be most appreciated, to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Freedom Service Dogs of America, or Hope for the Warriors.

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