Celebrating the life of
Philip Anthony Cerbone
November 16, 1920 - March 25, 2014
Savannah- World War II Veteran Philip Phil A. Cerbone, 93, passed away peacefully at Azalealand Nursing Home with his family at his side on Tuesday, March 25, 2014.
Mr. Cerbone served in the last U.S. Calvary before moving on to the 1st Army, 104th infantry Division, Timberwolf, from June 6, 1940 through October 1945. He was part of the 3rd wave at Omaha Beach Normandy on D-Day, Hedgerows, St. Lo, Northern France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, Hurtgen Forrest, Siegfried Line and the Battle of the Bulge. For his bravery, heroism, and meritorious service he was awarded the Bronze Star, as well as the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award and the Honorable Service Label Button WWII.
Philip Cerbone was born in Bayonne, New Jersey on November 16, 1920 to Italian immigrants Adamo and Jenny Cerbone. He had six siblings who all predeceased him. He attended Princeton University and left to enter WWII. After the war he went home to help in the family grocery business and met the love of his life, Eleanor Cherchio Cerbone. They married in 1946 and next month would have been their 68th wedding anniversary. He owned his own IGA grocery stores and restaurants and spent his career in the grocery business. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, their three children: Judith Cerbone Ruchalski Edmund; Adam P. Cerbone Kristi; and Thomas M. Cerbone Terri. He had seven grandchildren: Karen Ruchalski Mahoney Tim, Christopher Ruchalski Erin, Jason Cerbone, Kristin Cerbone Peters Chris, Celia Cerbone, Alex Cerbone and Jennifer Jenny Cerbone Lanigan Brooks. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren: Patrick and Cooper Mahoney, Clayton and Molly Ruchalski, Walker and Kate Peters, Callie and Payton Lanigan. Philip was part of the greatest generation and he left his mark everywhere he went. His memory will live on as one of love, generosity and warmth; he is missed by his loved ones, and friends. He was an honorary member of "Italian Society of Savannah".
The family would like to express thanks to the staff of Memorial Hospital and Azalealand Nursing Home for all their care and kindness to Mr. Cerbone in his time of need.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
A private graveside service will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
May you rest in peace.Forgive me for not attending as I am ill and unable to get out. Judge James W. Head
- Judge James W. Head, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise that 'He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.'Rev. 21:4
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
To the entire Family, A star has been dimmed on earth.We give you our love and deepest sympathy as a great man has gone to his Father.Please know we are here for you and the Family will be in our prayers going forward.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Condolences to Mr. Cerbone's family. His family must be extremely proud of his life. One of the last American WWII heroes made an unforgettable and forever appreciated mark.
- Paschal Bignault, Savannah, GA
We consecrate to thee oh Jesus of Love-The Trials, Joys and Happenings of our Family Life and we beseech thee to send forth Thy blessings on ALL it's members-absent and present- Living and Dead. And when, one after another, we shall have fallen asleep in thy Blessed bosom oh Lord, may each of us Find our Family United in Thy Sacred Heart. Our deepest condolences to Judy, Ed, Karen, Chris, Terri,Tom and their beautiful families.
- Veva and Donnie Shuman, , GA
May you rest in peace.Forgive me for not attending as I am ill and unable to get out. Judge James W. Head
- Judge James W. Head, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise that 'He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.'Rev. 21:4
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
To the entire Family, A star has been dimmed on earth.We give you our love and deepest sympathy as a great man has gone to his Father.Please know we are here for you and the Family will be in our prayers going forward.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Condolences to Mr. Cerbone's family. His family must be extremely proud of his life. One of the last American WWII heroes made an unforgettable and forever appreciated mark.
- Paschal Bignault, Savannah, GA
We consecrate to thee oh Jesus of Love-The Trials, Joys and Happenings of our Family Life and we beseech thee to send forth Thy blessings on ALL it's members-absent and present- Living and Dead. And when, one after another, we shall have fallen asleep in thy Blessed bosom oh Lord, may each of us Find our Family United in Thy Sacred Heart. Our deepest condolences to Judy, Ed, Karen, Chris, Terri,Tom and their beautiful families.
- Veva and Donnie Shuman, , GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
