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Philip S. “Phil” Graziano, Jr., 79, of Greensburg, died Friday, April 10, 2026, of a prolonged illness, at home surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by his parents, Philip Graziano, Sr. and Juliana (Senchur); and brothers, George and Jonathan, he leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Eleanor “Dolly” (Jenco); and children, Christine (Brian Pickar), of Kensington, MD, and Philip (Belinda); beloved grandchildren, Elario (13) and Eletta (9); his canine companion, Cocoa; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
While he lost his most recent health battle, he cheated death numerous times in his life. Once, when he was a young child, he went over a cut-out for a road in Eastmont Estates on a bike that was too big for him, which landed him in a coma and held him back a year at Ludwick School. He credited his mom Juliana’s care, belief in him, and cooking with his survival, but clearly there was a fighter within him. He defied death again in 2021 at Westmoreland Hospital when a medical error during a routine surgery resulted in extensive blood loss and multiple heart attacks including a “widow maker.” He flat lined but stabilized and was roused from unconsciousness in intensive care by his son, “bud,” and coworker telling him “Dad, it’s time to go to work” in a phone held up to his ear. Once he was in a normal hospital room, doctors who were not even treating him came to gaze upon the miracle man who came back from the dead. He insisted until the very end that he was going to get back to work at his business and avocation of 40+ years, and this was the one and only time in his life his kids did not get to enjoy telling him they were right.
He had the uncanny ability of tying any topic back to his time in the United States Air Force, which he joined after receiving two draft notices during his senior year at Greensburg Salem High School. While the records indicate his length of service as four years, it had to be more like 25 based solely on the number of stories he told anyone who would listen (and sometimes those who wouldn’t). He deployed to Guam during the Vietnam Conflict and specialized in radio communications and electronics, reaching the rank of Sergeant. While deployed, he had a TDY to Japan where he distributed American cigarettes in bars and was called Superman by the locals, which despite what he may have thought, was less likely to do with superhuman abilities than with his striking resemblance as a young man to Clark Kent. He liked it so much, he was close to being AWOL, but again based on the stories alone, it sounded worth it. After the service, he completed his associate’s degree at Westmoreland County Community College, followed by a few years working for the 3M Corporation until he left to forge his own path.
He was a proud resident of Greensburg's Ludwick neighborhood living in the same home until he was 42. He helped to organize the annual Ludwick Reunion at Mt. Odin Park until his health prevented him and maintained many lifelong friends from the “old neighborhood.” He had breakfast nearly every Saturday with his good friend. He was a steadfast and good friend to many and would never hesitate to help a friend in need.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 PM Wednesday at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg. This is likely to be the only chance for Phil’s friends and family to get a word in edgewise. A funeral liturgy will begin at 10 AM Thursday in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to plant a tree in Phil’s memory. www.bachafh.com
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