A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Phillip Jerome Canty, affectionately known as "Phil," departed this life peacefully on July 13,

2026, surrounded by the love of his life, his devoted wife, Joanne, and his beloved daughter,

Brittnay.

Phil was born on February 24, 1958, in Mullins, South Carolina, to the late Golda and Elijah

Canty Sr. The youngest of nine children, he was raised in a loving, close-knit family where faith,

hard work, and caring for one another were treasured values. While still a young child, his

parents relocated the family to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Phil grew up and built a life

filled with purpose, laughter, and determination.

Phil attended Philadelphia Public Schools; Hanna Elementary School and Beeber Junior High

School before graduating from Overbrook High School. He later pursued training in Automotive

Technology, becoming a highly skilled mechanic whose knowledge and talent earned the

respect of everyone who knew him. If a car had a problem, Phil could fix it. Family, friends, and

neighbors all knew that "Phil's the one to call." He was the family's trusted mechanic, always

willing to lend a hand and get someone safely back on the road.

His love for automobiles extended far beyond work. Phil was passionate about classic cars,

sports cars, racing cars, and car shows. He owned several classic cars over the years and could

spend hours talking about engines, horsepower, and performance with anyone who shared his

enthusiasm.

Phil built a successful career after receiving his CDL and worked for many reputable companies

like “Systems Freight”, “The Philadelphia Daily News” and retiring from”Landis Trucking” as an

Owner Operator. As the owner of his own truck, he took great pride in being self-employed.

What he loved most wasn't just the work, it was the journey. Traveling across the country

brought him adventure, and stories he loved to share. His entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there.

Through hard work and wise planning, he invested in and owned several properties, building a

legacy through determination and vision.

Phil believed in preparing for tomorrow. Frugal from childhood, his siblings often joked that if

Phil had $5.00 in his pocket, he'd still ask to borrow a quarter. He believed in saving for a rainy

day and always encouraged others to be prepared for life's unexpected moments.

He was known for his unique, authoritative personality. He was everyone's boss.

Phil had a way of making people laugh with his Philly expressions such as, that Jawn or that

Mug. His laid back nature made him unforgettable.

Phil loved life's simple pleasures. He never turned down a good home-cooked meal, enjoyed

listening to gospel and old-school R&B music, and proudly cheered on his favorite teams—the

Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia 76ers. As a young boy, he spent countless hours at

Tustin Playground, where basketball was his thing.

Raised in a Christian home, Phil maintained a deep and abiding faith throughout his life. He

wholeheartedly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and that faith remained a

source of strength and guidance until the end.

One of the greatest blessings of Phil's life was his marriage to his lifelong friend and sweetheart,

Joanne. Although they were married in 2023, their story spanned more than 35 years of

friendship. Together they built a bond rooted in love, trust, and companionship.

Above all else, Phil cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather,

brother, uncle, and loyal friend whose love was steady, generous, and sincere. He remained

deeply connected to his family throughout his life, always making time for those family

gatherings and holidays. His quiet strength touched countless lives.

Phil was preceded in death by his loving parents, Golda and Elijah Canty Sr., and his beloved

brothers, Dennis Canty and Elijah Canty Jr.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his beloved wife, Joanne Canty; his children, Brittany

Canty, Aaron Canty, and Sharon.His cherished grandchildren; his sisters, Amanda Canty,

Connie Canty, and Ferri (Bernard) Bannister; his brothers, Alexander (Earlene) Canty, Josh

Canty, and Joe (Fannie) Canty; along with Carolyn Canty and a host of nieces, nephews,

cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure the time they

shared with him.

Phil's life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, faith, and love. Whether he was behind

the wheel of his truck, under the hood of a car, cheering on the Eagles, listening to music, or

simply sharing laughter with family, he lived life on his own terms, with heart, humility, and

humor.

Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. He

will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who were

blessed to know him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23