Obituary of Philip Vito LaPlaca

Philip (Filippo) Vito LaPlaca was born March 25, 1918, the youngest child of italian immigrants Salvatore LaPlaca and Rosina Benza in Brooklyn, New York where he grew up alongside his sister Santa and brother Agostino. He matriculated from St John’s College in New York with a Bachelor of Science degree. He worked as a Salesman for Standard Garment Company in New York from September 1940 until June 1942 where he met his future wife, Carolyn G. Horwath whom he married in 1942. In June of 1942 he enlisted in the navy and attended the following service schools: Naval Medical Center, Bethesda MD; Colgate University; Midshipman’s School at Northwestern University. During his naval service he was qualified as a laboratory and malariaology technician, became a naval officer (Ensign), and served on the following stations and vessels: Brooklyn Naval Hospital; Sampson Training Station; Fleet Air Wing 15, Ft. Lyautey, Africa; Camp Lejeune, NC; NTS Bainbridge, MD; USNTC, Miami, FL. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945. Subsequently he took a job in Pharmaceutical sales with E.R Squibb & Sons, from which he retired in 1982. Philip was a man without enemies as he strove to make all his friends. He was a man of strong principles, staunch loyalty and a man of deep faith. He had a smile and a compliment for everyone he met – with never a bad word to say about anyone. He had a unique ability to encourage others. All who knew him felt welcomed and loved in his presence. His compassion reached many. His loving and practical counsel was sought by many. Well known for his indefatigable sense of humor, Phil was a prankster first class with his family – and often suffered the repercussions thereof! Many in the family remember his portrayal of “international” Santa Claus which he reprised year after year. When he finally gave up this role there was a void, now replaced by a fond memory. However, he never really gave up the role - he was always a Santa in his heart – loving and giving. Devoted husband to Carolyn (whom he called “Sweets”); loving father of Caroline (Pindy) LaPlaca Davis and father-in-law to Scott C. Davis; loving stepfather of Agnes (Peggy) Gunneau; proud grandfather of Frances Buonomo Komar and Tom Komar, Caroline Buonomo Hey, Philip John Buonomo and Connie Buonomo; proud great grandfather of Debbie Komar Heitkoetter, Christina Buonomo, Paul Buonomo, Peter Buonomo and Phil Buonomo; proud great great grandfather of Keith Rollan Heitkoetter; loving uncle to all nieces and nephews; friend to all.