Phillip T. Zeni Sr.'s Obituary
Decatur - Phillip Thomas Zeni, Sr, 81, of Decatur, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023.
Phil was a life-long learner with interests ranging from architecture to multimedia to politics. He had a zest for life and adventure that took him to many exotic places around the globe and a contagious energy that he shared with all.
Phil is survived by his wife Debra whom he married in 2011; son Dr Phillip T Zeni Sr (Dr Victoria Lim); daughter Tami D Zeni, stepsons Matthew J Lewis (Bridget); Douglas R Lewis; grandchildren Phillip Thomas Zeni III, Isabella L Zeni; Sydney N Lewis; and Jackson M Lewis; sisters Carol J Shirley and Lori A Ford; and brother Robert J Zeni; and many loving cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Nona Sue Harrell, whom he married in 1965; his parents; and beloved uncle Delfino Ruffini.
Phil attended Millikin University, University of Illinois at Springfield (Bachelor's - Business), University of Illinois at Springfield (Master's in Government and Public Affairs).
Phil owned and operated TV and radio stations, as well as owning and publishing building and medical publications, and consulted for federal government energy programs. His lifelong passion for politics began with the Barry Goldwater campaign in 1964 and brought him into the nascent Illinois EPA development under the Richard Ogilvie administration. Phil served as the Chairman of Republicans Abroad for the country of Germany and traveled widely for debates and events. Upon his return to Decatur in July of this year, he became active in the Macon County Republican Party, offering his service to several local campaigns.
Phil was always involved in local community, civic, and educational programs and served on many boards including the Decatur Library Board, the Decatur Historical and Architectural Board, and the University of Illinois at Springfield Community Advisory Board. He also was a past commencement speaker at UIS Springfield.
Phil lived by three principles:
- No one can ruin your day unless you let them
- Don’t love anything that can’t love you back
- Always let your music out
A memorial gathering to celebrate Phil's life will be held from 2pm to 4pm, Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. There will be no formal funeral service.
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