Philip Michael Comerford

Philip M. Comerford, devoted, loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, died peacefully in his home in Naples, Florida on January 7, 2017. He met the love of his life and best friend, Diana, while earning a BBA and MBA from the University of Michigan. They eloped in 1953, and together embarked on a 64 year journey during which they built a strong family, pursued and lived the American dream, and lived with no regrets.

After graduating from Michigan, Phil enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and continued to serve his country in the reserves, rising to the rank of Commander. Initially settling in Haddonfield, NJ and working as a C.P.A., Phil built a career in accounting, finance and banking, and among other civic roles served as President of the Philadelphia Jaycees. In the late 1970s, he moved his family to Bethesda, Maryland, to serve as President of State National Bank of Maryland which became one of the most successful financial institutions in the D.C. area.

For the last 50 years he gave his family the gift of Stone Harbor, New Jersey, where he loved to spend time with family and friends. He was a long time member of the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor which he served as Commodore in 1991 and as Treasurer for 18 years. When he retired in the early 1990s, he split his time between Stone Harbor and Naples, Florida. An avid golfer, he thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of playing with his sons, grandsons and friends.

Far more important to him than any of his professional pursuits, was building, nurturing, providing for and always being there for his family and friends. Guided by his strong faith, Phil was genuine, grounded and humble and quietly helped many individuals and charities with his time and resources. Known for his quick wit and brilliant sense of humor, Phil never took himself too seriously and enjoyed making others do the same. When you spent time with Phil you were entertained, you laughed, and you felt good about yourself. The way he carried himself and treated others spoke volumes about who he was.

He is survived by his beloved wife Diana, his children Phil, Jr. (Betty), Cindy Gillette (Michael), David (Robin), Andrew (Jennie) and grandchildren Philip III, Sarah, Michael, Julia, Grace, D.J., Kevin and Elizabeth.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at 10 a.m. and a funeral mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134. Interment will be private. The family plans to have a celebration of Phil's life in Stone Harbor, N.J. in the Spring of 2017. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Phil’s name to the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan https://leadersandbest.umich.edu/tributes.