VanReeth, Philip Joseph Sr (Lt.Cmdr USNR). Died Feb. 15, 2017.
Born October 1, 1930 to Edward and Marie VanReeth in Chicago, IL. A 1948 graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, Phil enlisted in the Navy in June 1948 and in 1949 he was accepted into the OCS program in Pensacola, FL. He attained his Navy wings shortly after his 20th birthday and flew in the Pacific during the Korean conflict. He remained active in the Navy, serving in the Reserves at NAS Glenview until 1970. Phil had a long and storied career with Trans World Airlines, from 1954 to 1988. While a pilot for TWA, aircraft he flew many aircraft and was Captain on the Constellation, the Convair 880, as well as the L-1011, B-727 and B-747. He was active in general aviation, sharing his knowledge of all things flying with anyone who was interested.
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Joan Daisy (nee Judd), his daughter Barbara Ann and his sister, Shirley Work.
He is survived by his daughter Jeannine VanReeth (David Ordway) and three sons, Edward, Philip Jr. (Jill Adams) and James (Kelli) VanReeth, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Eugene (LaVonne) VanReeth and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25th at DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Rd. Huntley. A reception will follow. The family requests that no flowers be sent. Donations in Phil's name may be made to the Glenview Hangar One Foundation, 2040 Lehigh Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026 or to an animal shelter or animal rescue group of your choosing. For more information please call 847-515-8772 or online condolences can be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com
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I flew FO for Phil while upgrading on the 880 in Chicago, he was very congenial and lots of fun Great pilot and loved by the gals in back and the pax RIP my friend.
My condolences to you and your family.
My deepest condolences to Ed, Pj, Jimmy, and rest of the family. May you find comfort and peace along with cherished memories.
Our deepest condolences to he Van Reeth clan. Many good memories with Phil and Joan. What a fun couple. Phil took me on my first ever flight, a glider out of Naperville I was terrified! Arleen Good times on the many trips to Gitmo, lobsters from Maine. Those were the days. Rest in Peace, Bob-NAS Glenview, 56'- 59'
We will remember the great conversations we had with Phil and his family out at the landings airport I remember going for a ride in his son jims Cessna 195 he did a perfect wing over with five guys in the plane , yeee hah he was fun.
The Chicago Area Chapter of The Ninety-Nines Women Pilots send their condolences to Phil's family. Phil was the husband of our dear late member, Joan. He was a great promoter for all of aviation and encourager of all who expressed an interest in flying. For myself, I was privileged to pilot and land the BT 13 Vultee from WWII. The Van Reeth door was always open. Ellen O'Hara, Chapter Chairman