1948
Phillip
2016
Phillip George Zaroor
November 21, 1948 — June 19, 2016
You cant be extraordinary doing ordinary things. These arent just words Phillip Zaroor lived by and taught, they constitute the passion and drive that he inspired in the uncountable number of people he touched during his 67 years. A beloved husband, father, papa, brother, mentor, coach and leader, Phil passed peacefully in his home on Fathers Day surrounded by his family.
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, November 21st, 1948 to Abraham Joseph (Joe) and Janie Zaroor, Phil spent his youth stirring up trouble on Messanie Street. A known tough guy and protector of those he loved, the only thing that surpassed his reputation as a fighter was the strength and support he gave to his family. Following that fighting spirit, Phil accepted a boxing scholarship to Rockhurst College and became a world class combatant. Boasting an 83-5 career record, Phil experienced his only technical knockout at the hands of boxing legend George Foreman, during the Golden Glove trials. That same tenacity propelled Phil through the finish of his college career at Missouri Western University, graduating with a degree in Psychology, through his rise to one of the top headhunters in the Country, and through the start of several self-owned businesses including Phillips On the Square and Wall Street Deli, bringing him to settle in Harrisonville. It was here he met the woman who would become his biggest supporter and lifelong partner, Rhita Stewart, whom he loved so much he married twice in one week in October of 1981. (They always did everything in twos anyway.)
Together, Phil and Rhita built their family and founded Advantage PressurePro. Based on an abstract idea, Phil fought to not just build a business, but to create an entire market for an unknown product that he knew would change the world, adding safety to our roads and savings for drivers of all types. This fight cumulated in the making of a world renowned product and muti-million dollar, globally respected business. His work in the industry is unmatched, serving on multiple boards for the American Transportation Association, cited as one of the Countrys top entrepreneurs in Fortune Small Business Magazine and top business journals and books including Blueprint to a Billion, and credited as the leading pioneer in the TPMS industry. With Rhita in his corner, Phil broke barriers personally as well. Together they raised six children and built an envious network of friends and family. He hosted unmatched Holiday dinners and unrivaled parties filled with music, dancing, laughter and food. He became a pillar in our city through his longstanding commitment to our community. A founding member of the Harrisonville Rotary Club, a longtime member of the Episcopal Church, an original organizer of the Harrisonville Log Cabin Festival, a 17 year youth football coach and a staple in local business and business mentoring, Phil never missed a chance to fight in making our community a better place. Phil would fight his hardest battle in the last year and a half of life, against the pure evil competitor called mesothelioma. With unmatched grace and persistence, he took the fight all the way to the 12th round. He succumbed to the cancers final knockout, but only after ensuring it was on his terms, and only after ensuring hed go out no other way than extraordinarily.
Phils legacy lives on in his wife, children, Joseph Zaroor (wife Jeanette), Jason Zaroor (wife Apple), Margaux Guzman (husband Ramon), Vanessa Hargrave (husband Jon), Nathalie Zaroor, Zachary Zaroor (wife Michelle), chosen children Laura Skhlar and Hillary Watson (husband Kyle) and grandchildren Cole, Ace, Nick, Charley, Kailyn, Tyler, Niyah, Zayd, Hayden, Aixa, Sebastien, Hudson, Zyer, Maci, Waylynn and the soon to arrive baby Watson. He is also survived by his sister and brothers, Mary Jo, Danny (wife Donna) and Chris (wife Debbie), a wealth of nieces and nephews whom always noted him as their favorite, and many in his life whom he called family.
Celebration of Life Services were held Monday, June 27, 2016 at the First Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri.
The family received friends Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the church with a reitation of Rosary at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Phillip Zaroor Entrepreneurial Scholarship and may be sent in care of Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
Services are under the care of Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
View Video:
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, November 21st, 1948 to Abraham Joseph (Joe) and Janie Zaroor, Phil spent his youth stirring up trouble on Messanie Street. A known tough guy and protector of those he loved, the only thing that surpassed his reputation as a fighter was the strength and support he gave to his family. Following that fighting spirit, Phil accepted a boxing scholarship to Rockhurst College and became a world class combatant. Boasting an 83-5 career record, Phil experienced his only technical knockout at the hands of boxing legend George Foreman, during the Golden Glove trials. That same tenacity propelled Phil through the finish of his college career at Missouri Western University, graduating with a degree in Psychology, through his rise to one of the top headhunters in the Country, and through the start of several self-owned businesses including Phillips On the Square and Wall Street Deli, bringing him to settle in Harrisonville. It was here he met the woman who would become his biggest supporter and lifelong partner, Rhita Stewart, whom he loved so much he married twice in one week in October of 1981. (They always did everything in twos anyway.)
Together, Phil and Rhita built their family and founded Advantage PressurePro. Based on an abstract idea, Phil fought to not just build a business, but to create an entire market for an unknown product that he knew would change the world, adding safety to our roads and savings for drivers of all types. This fight cumulated in the making of a world renowned product and muti-million dollar, globally respected business. His work in the industry is unmatched, serving on multiple boards for the American Transportation Association, cited as one of the Countrys top entrepreneurs in Fortune Small Business Magazine and top business journals and books including Blueprint to a Billion, and credited as the leading pioneer in the TPMS industry. With Rhita in his corner, Phil broke barriers personally as well. Together they raised six children and built an envious network of friends and family. He hosted unmatched Holiday dinners and unrivaled parties filled with music, dancing, laughter and food. He became a pillar in our city through his longstanding commitment to our community. A founding member of the Harrisonville Rotary Club, a longtime member of the Episcopal Church, an original organizer of the Harrisonville Log Cabin Festival, a 17 year youth football coach and a staple in local business and business mentoring, Phil never missed a chance to fight in making our community a better place. Phil would fight his hardest battle in the last year and a half of life, against the pure evil competitor called mesothelioma. With unmatched grace and persistence, he took the fight all the way to the 12th round. He succumbed to the cancers final knockout, but only after ensuring it was on his terms, and only after ensuring hed go out no other way than extraordinarily.
Phils legacy lives on in his wife, children, Joseph Zaroor (wife Jeanette), Jason Zaroor (wife Apple), Margaux Guzman (husband Ramon), Vanessa Hargrave (husband Jon), Nathalie Zaroor, Zachary Zaroor (wife Michelle), chosen children Laura Skhlar and Hillary Watson (husband Kyle) and grandchildren Cole, Ace, Nick, Charley, Kailyn, Tyler, Niyah, Zayd, Hayden, Aixa, Sebastien, Hudson, Zyer, Maci, Waylynn and the soon to arrive baby Watson. He is also survived by his sister and brothers, Mary Jo, Danny (wife Donna) and Chris (wife Debbie), a wealth of nieces and nephews whom always noted him as their favorite, and many in his life whom he called family.
Celebration of Life Services were held Monday, June 27, 2016 at the First Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri.
The family received friends Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the church with a reitation of Rosary at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Phillip Zaroor Entrepreneurial Scholarship and may be sent in care of Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
Services are under the care of Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
View Video:
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