Phillip A. Pero

Phillip Anthony Pero, 69, of Endicott passed away on July 9th, 2026 after a valiant battle with cancer.


Phil was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Bonnie Pero, brother David, sister Pat, and niece Sara.


He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Deb, daughters Nicole and Molly, twin sister Phyllis, sisters Mary Jo (Paul) and Lori (Ron), brothers Michael (Bonnie), Joseph, and Tom, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Although not a blood relative, his mother-in-law Clara held a special place in his heart.


Phil was the fourth of nine children, born on December 22, 1956 in Johnson City, NY. Growing up in a large family taught him the value of cooperation and negotiation, which paved the way for his fruitful career and lasting relationships. His very first job was as a paper boy on the North Side of Endicott, showing from a young age that he was a go-getter and not afraid of hard work. Phil graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 1975 and went on to a successful career in industry sales. His gregarious personality and ability to get along with people from all walks of life gained him many sales clients, coworkers, and friends. After retirement in 2019, there was more free time for the pursuit of his passions.


Phil enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Post retirement he took to growing garlic, tomatoes, and various crops. Phil delighted in lounging by the pool and relaxing on the deck. He loved his weekly rounds of golf with his friend Tom. Phil’s true passion was cooking for others. Some of his best dishes included pizza, sauce, “bananna” bread, frittata (using up all the leftovers in the fridge), and chicken cutlets. His famous chicken soup, provided at all family gatherings, was a must. But the star of his repertoire was his homemade sausage. Phil spent years perfecting the seasonings until the recipe was just right. That recipe was intentionally laminated and tucked away in his wallet. In Phil’s final days he conveyed to his family who was to receive that sacred document so that his legacy will continue.


Phil served as an altar boy at St. Anthony of Padua Church, and later in life as a proud member of the St. Anthony’s Holy Name Society. Each year you could find him at the Feast Days barbecuing chicken. He also helped cook for multiple fundraising events to support their worthy causes – all with “the brotherhood.”


By far Phil’s greatest joy was the family he and Deb created. He took immense pride in all their accomplishments. Phil was a Dad that showed up. He never missed dance recitals, concerts, ceremonies, musicals, short-lived sporting careers, or graduations, and was admittedly only interested in his own progeny. In Phil’s final weeks, his niece Amanda (“Beana”) visited frequently with his great-nephew, Maverick. Those visits lifted his spirits and put a sparkle in his eye.


The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Guthrie Lourdes Cancer Center and Dr. Beka. Phil had a special bond with his oncology nurse Emily. She made the long treatments bearable.


Sadly, Phil’s dream of going to Sicily was never realized. Our hope is to make that journey in his memory someday.


Funeral Services for Phil will be held on Friday, July 17th at 12:30 pm at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott. The family will receive friends on Friday at the Allen Memorial Home from 10:30 am until Service time at 12:30 pm.


In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Anthony’s Holy Name Society located at 300 Odell Ave, Endicott, NY 13760.