Obituary: Philip Joseph June, 65, of Milford

MILFORD, CT - (From Cody-White Funeral Home) Philip Joseph June, 65, of Milford, loving husband of the late Jennifer Ellen June, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2020. He was born on September 30, 1954 in Bridgeport, CT to Antoinette Morena June and the late Samuel Benedicto June, and lived most of his life in Milford.

Phil started his career making and repairing shoes alongside his father in the family shop, June’s Shoe Repair in Bridgeport. He attended Fairfield Prep, graduating in 1972, before receiving an Associate Degree from Western Connecticut State University.

Phil began working full-time in the family restaurant and bar businesses, a career he maintained for the rest of his life. Most notably, he managed and ultimately owned the Beachcomber Café, a hole-in-the-wall bar nestled along Pond Point Beach, known for its diverse patrons, cheeky bartenders, and eclectic décor.

Phil was a gregarious soul, happiest among family and those friends he considered family. He opened his home, business and heart to anyone in need, always ready to offer help or an ear to listen. He was fascinated by learning how things worked, often taking them apart, and not reassembling a project until being nagged at least three times.

Phil had a penchant for ice cream sundaes and chocolate cake, and gladly proclaimed that his doctor would not let him eat green vegetables. His proudest accomplishments were his family, touting their successes and vicariously relishing in the adventures and antics of his five children. Phil was mischievous, perpetually late, and never turned down an opportunity to eat clams casino or a #2 from Baja’s.

He was a lover of Levis, adamant they were appropriate for any occasion including sleeping, an avid science fiction fan and believer, a bird watcher, an accomplished pilot, and an enthusiastic though infrequent dancer. Phil lived his life loudly and unabashedly, and those who have been fortunate enough to know him love him, and will forever be changed by his presence.

Phil is survived by his ever-patient mother, Antoinette of Stratford, CT, and his loving children, Samuel (Lily) of Minneapolis, MN, Stephanie of Troy, NY, Philip of Weimar, Germany, Christopher and Alexander, both of Milford, CT.

Left with years of colorful stories and fond memories are sisters, Regina June Gezelman (Lee) of Burlington, CT and Dianne Auger (Joseph) of Shelton, CT, brother, Samuel June (Sharon) of Laguna Niguel, CA, mother-in-law Mary Beth Dodson of Coronado, CA, brother-in-law Kelly Dodson (Bonnie) of San Diego, CA, sisters-in-law, Erin Call (Bob) of Fort Collins, CO and Amy Lugsch (David) of Persia, IA, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Besides his beloved wife, Jennifer, and his father, Samuel, Phil was pre-deceased by his father-in-law James, treasured canine companions, Hercules, Bear, and Roxie, and an unspoken number of salt-water fish his children accidently suffocated.

Due to current gathering restrictions, a private Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 11 a.m. Friends and family are invited to join the livestream of the funeral at www.facebook.com/NextLevelLivestream/live/.

You do not have to have a Facebook account to view the livestream. At a later date, Philip’s family hopes to have a celebration of his life at a time and place to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation or the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.