Father Philip "Phil" Passamonte with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Father Philip "Phil" Passamonte, on June 26, 2026, a beloved priest, mentor, father figure, craftsman, counselor, and friend whose kindness touched countless lives. Phil devoted 24 years of faithful service to the Diocese of Rockville Centre, answering God's call with humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication. His priestly journey began at St. Anne's Church in Brentwood, where he first embraced his vocation. He later served the parishioners of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church and St. Raphael's Church, where he became known not only as a priest but as a trusted confidant, compassionate counselor, and steady presence for those facing life's challenges. After retiring from the priesthood, Phil accepted an opportunity offered by his dear longtime friend, Ann Pierce, and began a second career as an accountant with Terra Homes. Though his professional path changed, his commitment to serving others never did. Whether in the church, the workplace, or his own neighborhood, Phil remained a source of wisdom, guidance, and support.Family was at the center of Phil's life. He cherished every family gathering with his sister Angel, her late husband Peter, his niece Danielle and nephew PJ. I Peter Agoglia was always included in family functions and was made to feel welcome all the time. Father Phil possessed a rare gift for making everyone feel loved and accepted. To Phil, there was no distinction between relatives by blood and those who joined the family through marriage. Every son-in-law, daughter-in-law, niece, nephew, and extended family member was welcomed wholeheartedly and treated as one of his own. He was famous for remembering birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, often arriving with a smile and a treasured tradition: a crisp $50 bill tucked into the hand of a family member, or someone newly welcomed into the family. Phil's generosity extended far beyond gifts. If someone needed electrical work done, an extension built onto a home, a backyard deck constructed, or practical advice for a difficult situation, Phil was the first person everyone called. He could fix almost anything with his hands and comfort almost anyone with his words. Whether offering encouragement, tough love, or a listening ear, he never withheld his care or concern. He found joy in life's simple pleasures—solving Sudoku puzzles, spending time with beloved pets, and creating lasting memories with those he loved. Yet perhaps his greatest gift was his ability to see the good in people, especially when they could not see it in themselves. Phil also loved to find tasty recipes and try them for dinner. He accumulated a large binder of recipes he took from Newsday and magazines he read. One of his favorite dishes was linguini and clam sauce. He made this for me on my birthdays. Phil learned to make mouthwatering pizzas. He would by the pizza dough from local pizza joint then make his own sauce. This was our Friday nights at dinner time. It was always fun. One such life profoundly changed by Phil's kindness was that of a young man (Peter Agoglia) who met him at age twenty. Working nights at gas stations along the Northern State Parkway and struggling through the pain of a dysfunctional family with little support or contact, he found himself isolated and in despair. Remembering the safety and comfort he had once felt as a student at Queen of the Holy Rosary Grammar School, he called the church rectory seeking someone to talk to priest. The rectory cook and housekeeper, Gemma, answered the phone and connected him with Father Phil. Phil agreed to meet with him, listen to him, and guide him. Seeing potential where others may not have, Phil soon offered him a job as a groundskeeper, helping him pay tuition at SUNY Old Westbury. That opportunity changed the course of a life. The young man graduated from college, went on to build a successful career as an IRS Pension Enforcement Agent, served for 25 years, and retired this past November. To him, Phil became far more than a priest, mentor, or friend. He became a father. In many ways, Phil repeated the love he himself had received. After the loss of his biological mother, Phil and his sister Angela were blessed when Maria married their father, Joseph Passamonte. Maria embraced them as her own children, providing the love, guidance, and support every child deserves. Years later, Phil would offer that same gift to me. Through counseling, advice, encouragement, correction when needed, and unwavering devotion, he became a father figure. Father Phil leaves behind a legacy not measured by titles or accomplishments, but by lives transformed through his kindness, faith, generosity, and love. He taught by example that family is defined not simply by blood, but by commitment, compassion, and the willingness to show up for one another. Though he will be deeply missed, the countless people whose lives he touched carry forward his lessons, his values, and his love. His memory will live on in every act of kindness, every family gathering, every helping hand offered to a neighbor, and every person who chooses to see the good in another. Phil loved and cared for many pets he adopted and rescued for many years from animal shelters. When any of his pets fell ill he always paid what had to be paid to the veterinarian no matter how many thousands of dollars it cost to render care. Only because of him my adopted father, his advice and guidance I grew emotionally enough to develop long term caring relationships. I own everything to him, because without him I would have never had a career or have enough courage or mental health to be in a relationship. One of his favorite days was Father's Day when he would receive my Father's Day Card. He also loved to watch the 11 O'clock mass being broadcast on Catholic Faith Network from St. Agnes Cathedral. He will sadly be missed, and life will always seem dimmer without being around him and experiencing his sense of humor, wit, sarcasm, charm, confidence, and love. Philip Passamonte leaves behind Angela Ranaldo (sister), Danielle Rosenthal (niece), Scott Rosenthal, Peter Ranaldo also known as PJ (nephew) and Suzanne Ranaldo (spouse to PJ), Joe Lobianco (cousin), Linda Lobianco (cousin), Robert Lobianco (cousin), and myself his loyal and loving son. Phil joins Jesus, The Virgin Mary, God the Father, his dear mother Maria and Father Joseph along with all the pets that preceded him to heaven such as nellie (ferule) cat, Cali (calico), Crystal (the tiniest cat of them all, but not in spirit), Tasha (stray Doberman mix), Shana (Black Lab mix), Shane (Pitbull Terrier) and the latest edition Logan (Pitbull mix) adopted 3 months ago from Wantagh Animal Shelter, May he rest in the peace of God's eternal embrace and live in happiness in heaven.