Obituary of Philip P. Ressa

Philip P. Ressa, aged 81 years and 3 months, sadly passed from this world at home, per his wishes, with his loving family by his side after a fierce battle with cancer. True to his affinity for the number "3", he took his last breaths just after 3 AM on June 5th 2023 following a fierce battle with cancer. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, the second of three sons born to Bartolomeo and Marie Ressa (née Augusta). Philip was an entrepreneur, a true Renaissance Man, and a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and friend to many. He was an extremely intelligent, loyal, and well-informed person, and there was very little on which he didn't have knowledge or strong opinions. Everyone knew they could count on "Uncle Phil" to offer thoughts on all matters big and small. Phil was a true icon in the Insurance Business, and founded RJW brokerage, Inc. from the ground up in 1964, growing his "First Baby" into a successful business through sheer grit, natural business acumen, talent for leadership, and determination that remained with him throughout his life. His business was so much more than an occupation to him, and he leaves this legacy to his son and partner, Christopher. He adored his Staten Island Community and gave back in ways too numerous to mention here, but his patronage of local organizations has been counted upon and respected for years. Notably, he has been honored by the Boy Scouts of America multiple times, receiving the Good Scout Award among others. He was also honored by the Samaritan Day Top Foundation and received City Council and Staten Island Borough President proclamations for community service from Borough Presidents Michael McMahon and Tony Gaeta, among others. Even prior to his illness he supported the American Cancer Society, but after his diagnosis he began to do so to an even greater extent, providing resources to those seeking cures for all types of this terrible disease. For these efforts, he was named Staten Island Cancer Society "Man of the Year", an honor that was extremely meaningful to him. Phil's passion for life was unrivaled, and he lived it well and to the very, very fullest until he was truly no longer physically able. In his younger days he was an avid golfer and a member at both Bamm Hollow and Colonia Country Clubs as well as an accomplished tennis player and President of the Staten Island Tennis League (later the Staten Island Tennis Association); he also skied well into his 70's. Phil greatly enjoyed time in the mountains and at the beach, and happily shared his love of all his favorite pursuits with his entire family and anyone else who could be encouraged to participate. His dedication to the New York Giants, Rangers, and Yankees, (for whom he retained season tickets for more than 40 years), was legendary, and no one embraced the football tailgating "process" with more enthusiasm. If not attending in person, his love of sports was such that he would gladly watch any match or game on TV as long as the names of participating teams didn't end with the letters "ETS", much to the dismay of his many colleagues and friends who are fans of the New York Jets and Mets. This dedication to athletics at all levels was recognized in 2021 when he was inducted into the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame. In later years, with his trademark gusto, Phil embraced travel as a serious hobby and took long trips with his beautiful, cherished wife Mimi and dear friends to both Europe and Asia, along the way further cultivating his love of good company, impeccable fashion, amazing food of all kinds, and wines of the World. At his core, Philip was a traditional and romantic man. He was extremely proud of his Italian heritage, his Brooklyn roots, and his family and friends. He was an excellent dancer, a patron of the arts, and adored animals, children, and nature - no sunset, beautiful flower, mountain landscape, or ocean view escaped his keen eye. Some of his most treasured times were spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, neighbors, and revered companions barbecuing and socializing in the beautiful gardens surrounding his Staten Island home. He could also often be found relaxing during apres-ski at Hunter Mountain, watching sunsets and moonrises from his balcony in Atlantic City, or enjoying delicious meals- especially Italian or Vietnamese- at one of his many "favorite" dining establishments. His birthday parties were the stuff of legend and could always be counted on to result in the funniest of stories as well as custom "decor" including elaborate streamer, balloon and photo displays that he liked to preserve for future celebrations. Philip was also well-known for his year-round Christmas displays, including an extensive collection of nutcrackers and ornament "trees", as well as his dedication to seasonal Hallmark movies, which he relished for their upbeat themes and happy endings. Phil worked hard and loved even harder, and once welcomed as a member of his extended "Family" you could always count on his support and an occasional dose of "tough" advice designed to steer you straight. He leaves behind to treasure his memory and continue his many traditions the love of his life Mimi Ressa (née Tran), son Christopher Ressa and his wife Jessica, daughters Katrina and Virginia Ressa, grandchildren Gabe and Sofie Ressa and Amelia and Benjamin Vaks, and many, many cherished friends. We will all miss him more than words can possibly express. God speed, Philip; Husband, Father, Grampa, Friend… until we see you in the next Life. The wake will be held on Thursday, June 8th from 3 to 9PM at Matthew's Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY. A funeral mass will follow on Friday, June 10th at St. Christopher's Church, 130 Midland Avenue, Staten Island, with interment taking place immediately thereafter at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island. The family invites mourners to gather at 12:30 PM for a repast and celebration of Phil's long and wonderful life at The Road House, 1400 Clove Road on Staten Island. Please be sure to bring your memories and stories to share.