Phil Genovese passed away peacefully Sept. 15, 2023, in Tinton Falls. He was a loving and much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His passing, after 91 years, leaves a hole in many hearts and souls.
Phil was born in New York City. He attended Red Bank Catholic High School where he met his adored wife Rose Marie. He graduated from Seaton Hall University and became a certified public accountant. He established his CPA practice in Shrewsbury in the early 1960s, where they built their home and raised their sons. He was a communicant of St. Dorothea’s Catholic Church.
He was an active member of the community, starting with his election to the Shrewsbury Borough Council at the age of 29. He then served many years in the PTA, on the board of education, and on the zoning board.
During his tenure as Shrewsbury Police Commissioner, he organized local businesses to contribute to the purchase of the police force’s first bulletproof vests, for which he was awarded honorary police chief status by the NJ Police Chiefs Association.
He also was actively engaged in fundraising for the construction of the current St. Dorothea’s Catholic Church and activities center in Eatontown and joined the founders’ drive to fund the establishment of Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft. He was active with his sons in Boy Scout Troop 250, the YMCA Indian Guides, and as their Little League baseball coach.
Phil was tall in stature but his presence was made giant by his humility, kindness, intellect and tranquil demeanor. You will never find a soul who won’t remember him as always the gentleman. He honored the love of his life, cherished her and their sons, and worked hard to ensure his family was safe, well cared for, and sheltered from life’s storms. His sons will continue to sense his good company guiding their hands and decisions. All his grandchildren loved the sleepovers at Grandma and Pop Pop’s. Adults all now, they still talk about those special nights. So many loved him so much.
He enjoyed a wide circle of friends, including his tennis buddies, and loved summers at the beach club with his family.
Phil was predeceased by wife Rose Marie. They were married for nearly 71 years. He is survived by their three sons and their families, Philip Genovese Jr. (wife MaryAnn), Geoffrey Genovese (life partner Julie Nawrocki), and Michael Genovese (fiancée Shan Gao); grandchildren, John Taylor (wife Jennifer), Melissa Genovese Fitch (husband Michael), Philip
Thomas (wife Kaitlyn), Uliana, Erika, Mia Lund (husband Christian), and Tara; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Sam, John and Sloane. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Simonetti and her family, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Phil was predeceased by his sister Marie Esposito and daughter-in-law Diane Genovese.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Sept. 30, at St. James Catholic Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Loyola Jesuit Center Retreat House, 161 James St., Morristown, NJ 07960 or loyola.org/give-now in memory of Philip Genovese.
This article originally appeared in the September 28 – October 4, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
