Phillip Kurek

Phillip Kurek, age 72, passed away early Saturday morning, January 3, 2026. He had been medically fragile for over nine years. He truly loved life and every day was a blessing to him.

Phillip was born August 1, 1953, the fourth of eight children, to John C. and Frances (Schlosser) Kurek.

Although Phillip was developmentally disabled, he was a loving and happy person. He knew right from wrong and wasn't afraid to tell you if you were wrong.

Phillip attended the Butler school prior to Leonard Kirtz, where he graduated. He then worked at the MASCO workshops and ActiveDay. Last year, he started attending the day program at Genesis. It was the absolute highlight of his day.

Phillip was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, St. Matthias Church, which recently merged to form St. Mary Magdalene Parish. He formerly was a member of Holy Name of Jesus church. When he was younger, Phillip had participated in Special Olympics, competing in the walking races.

Phillip leaves his siblings, John C. Kurek II of Jacksonville, NC; Kathleen (Wayne) Foster of Nebo, NC; Josephine "Jodi" (Don) Clowes of Austintown; and Frances (Mark) Miller of Youngstown, Ohio. Jodi and Fran were Phillip's guardians since 1987. He leaves many cousins and twelve nieces and nephews, including Nick and Beth, whom he was closest to. He also leaves his housemate, Frank, whom he shared a house since 2017.

In addition to his parents, Phillip was preceded in death by two sisters, Christine Kurek in July, 2003 and Trish Kurek in February 2022; one brother, James "Jimmy" Kurek in June, 2023; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Kurek (John's wife), in April, 2018. He was also predeceased by his housemate, Harry, in September, 2022.

The family wishes to acknowledge all of those individuals from Youngstown Developmental Center, New Leaf Residential, Accessible Home Services, ActiveDay, and Genesis for their care and compassion throughout Phillip's life. A special thanks to his SSA, Mary Brown, for being a wonderful advocate for him. And - a special thanks to all of you who kept Phillip in your prayers during his numerous stays at the hospital. We are forever grateful.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 9 to 11:15 AM Friday at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel. Prayers will be held at 11:15 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 PM at St. Mary Magdalene Parish, St. Matthias Church.

Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

It is preferred that monetary donations be made to any of the following in Phillip's memory: St. Mary Magdalene Parish, 3165 S. Schenley Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44511; Genesis Home Ltd., 7206 Market Street, Suite F, Boardman, OH 44512; or Accessible Home Services, 4891 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44505