Phillip Kurek 1953-2026

Phillip was born Aug. 1, 1953, the fourth of eight children, to John C. and Frances Schlosser Kurek.

Although Phillip was developmentally disabled, he was a loving and happy person. He knew right from wrong and wasn’t afraid to tell you if you were wrong.

Phillip attended the Butler school prior to Leonard Kirtz, where he graduated. He then worked at the MASCO workshops and ActiveDay. Last year, he started attending the day program at Genesis. It was the absolute highlight of his day.

Phillip was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish-St. Matthias Church, which recently merged to form St. Mary Magdalene Parish. He formerly was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Church.

When he was younger, Phillip participated in Special Olympics, competing in the walking races.

Phillip leaves his siblings, John C. Kurek II of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Kathleen (Wayne) Foster of Nebo, North Carolina, Josephine “Jodi” (Don) Clowes of Austintown and Frances (Mark) Miller of Youngstown. Jodi and Fran were Phillip’s guardians since 1987.

He leaves many cousins and 12 nieces and nephews, including Nick and Beth, whom he was closest to. He also leaves his housemate, Frank, with whom he shared a house since 2017.

In addition to his parents, Phillip was preceded in death by two sisters, Christine Kurek in July 2003 and Trish Kurek in February 2022; one brother, James “Jimmy” Kurek in June 2023; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Kurek (John’s wife), in April 2018. He was also predeceased by his housemate, Harry, in September 2022.

The family wishes to acknowledge all of those individuals from Youngstown Developmental Center, New Leaf Residential, Accessible Home Services, ActiveDay and Genesis, for their care and compassion throughout Phillip’s life. A special thanks to his SSA, Mary Brown, for being a wonderful advocate for him. And – a special thanks to all of you who kept Phillip in your prayers during his numerous stays at the hospital. We are forever grateful.

Family and friends may pay their respects 9 to 11:15 a.m. Friday at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.

Prayers will be held at 11:15 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon Friday at St. Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Matthias Church.

Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

It is preferred that monetary donations be made to any of the following in Phillip’s memory: St. Mary Magdalene Parish, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511; Genesis Home Ltd., 7206 Market St., Suite F, Boardman, OH 44512; or Accessible Home Services, 4891 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505.

(special notice)