Dr. Phil Schlegel

Philip L. Schlegel, DDS, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Jan 30th. He practiced pediatric dentistry at his office in 400 Newport Center Drive for over 42 years and was one of the first tenants of Newport Beach’s first “highrise.”

Phil was born May 6, 1930, in San Diego to Corrine Markley Schlegel and Harry Schlegel. When he was ten the family moved to a farm near Oasis in the Coachella Valley. Along with his older brother Stuart, Phil helped work the farm, raising grapes and grapefruit. He graduated from Oasis High School in 1948.

A great athlete, Phil went to Occidental College on a track scholarship. He received his Bachelor’s in Physical Education and was working on his Master’s Degree when he received his draft notice. With his Master’s work cut short, Phil joined the Navy and went to Officers Candidate School.

As an Ensign, Phil trained for, and was accepted into, what was then called the Underwater Demolitions Team. Promoted to Lieutenant J.G., Phil commanded UDT Team 11 which operated from the submarine USS Perch in the Aleutians and western Pacific.

Following his Naval service, Phil attended dental school at the University of Southern California. He opened his practice in Newport Beach in 1961 where he proudly and happily served generations of kids with dental care. He retired in 2003.

Phil is survived by his wife of 41 years, Willa, of Corona del Mar; his son, Kurt, of San Francisco; his daughter, Heidi and husband, Sami Saab of San Francisco; his daughter, Kristen and husband, Barry Cobbs of Rogers, Arkansas; two grandsons, Emerson and Sam Cobbs; and one granddaughter, Zazie Schlegel; many nieces and nephews; and two beloved dogs, Eli and Suzie Q.

A memorial service for Phil will be held Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Pacific View Mortuary Legacy Chapel, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California 92625.