Philip G. Saia, aka Boston Phil, Papa Phil, Uncle Phil, Bro Phil and just “Dad”, of Deerfield Beach, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the age of 85 with his children, Jennifer, Kathi, and Frank, along with their spouses and significant others, and his longtime companion, Delia, by his side. Phil was born on February 26, 1938, in Cambridge, MA where he grew up surrounded by a big Italian family of hard-working Sicilian immigrant parents and 14 brothers and sisters, plus their families.
Phil graduated from Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge, MA in 1956 and, then received a scholarship to the prestigious Harvard College, where he was a member of Dudley House, graduating as a member of the Harvard Class of 1960 with an A.B. In the Harvard 50th Anniversary Report, Phil, alluding to his switch, in his freshman year of high school, from the technical program to the college prep program, wrote: “I was inspired by my brother Frank’s similar choice that same year, when he was a Junior. He was the first in our very large family to attend college. I’m sure I would not have even considered college if he had not set the path for me”. Phil then went on to the University of Massachusetts and received an M.B.A. in 1962.
Phil worked as the Director of Commercial Real Estate and Leasing Developments for the better part of his long Career in South Florida after smaller, yet influential marketing roles in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia before moving to Orlando in 1970, taking a 50% cut in salary with Hertz Truck Leasing to “finally meet my goal to move to Florida”. Phil’s more notable positions came shortly thereafter as General Manager of Properties in Miami, FL; Director of Marketing and Leasing with Nu West of Florida in Lauderdale Lakes, FL and then his last position as Vice President of Bergeron Properties & Investment Corp., in Pembroke Pines, FL, until he retired at the ripe age of 74!
Phil was in the Air Force Reserve Program while still at Harvard and for 4 years thereafter: “The Air Force gave me the opportunity to travel. On one trip to Florida, I enjoyed it so much that I decided that one of my goals was to move to Florida”. He was also actively involved in Big Brothers of Greater New Britain, Connecticut, having founded this Chapter in 1967, saying it was “probably my most important achievement” as the program still thrives today, now under Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. Later in life, fostering children at his then wife Shari’s insistence, led to having Tammy and Tanya, plus Josh, in their lives which was both “rewarding and challenging”. He and Shari advocated for improvements in the Foster Care system, lending support to the very effective nonprofit organization of pro-bono attorneys, Florida Children’s First. And…Karaoke! In the late 80’s, after his Stepson Garth challenged him to sing a song for a contest – he got hooked! “I like to sing (my dear mother’s influence) and now I sing at Karaoke events regularly and find it to be a great morale booster and an opportunity to meet interesting and talented people”.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincenzo and Santa Saia, plus siblings Rose Husain, Rosalie Ramsey, Stella Fowler, Dominic Saia, Joseph V. Saia, Mary Barrett, and Frank Saia, Esq. Also, his first wife and the mother of his 3 children, Lynn May-Saia (September 20, 2021) and his second wife and mother of his stepsons, Shari Goodman Saia (December 27, 2016).
Phil is survived by his children: Jennifer May Saia (Robert A. Kerr, Jr.) of Newport, RI and Deerfield Beach, FL; Katherine Lynn Saia Annese (Michael Annese) of Boca Raton, FL; and Franklin Vincent Saia (Adria Saia) of Coral Springs, FL, plus his four grandchildren: Zachary Annese, Ashley Annese, Jack Saia and Paige Saia, along with his 2 Stepsons: Garth Reid Goodman and Blake Goodman. Dad said in his 45th Harvard Reunion Recap: “My solace in life is knowing all my children have successful careers in business and good personal values”.
Phil is also survived by his siblings, Joseph J. Saia of Lynnfield, MA, Lily Abel of Jensen Beach, FL; Ellen Brusard of Naples, FL; Anita Zimmerman of Naples, FL; Christine Clarke of Stoneham, MA; Carol Ann Sweet of Somerville, MA; and Paul Saia of Deerfield Beach, FL.
The family would like to thank Trustbridge Hospice By The Sea in Boca Raton, FL for the care and compassion they showed our Dad in in his final days. Dementia is a very difficult disease to watch anyone endure, especially a loved one who was so gregarious and full of energy!
Phil’s life was celebrated at Carrabba’s Italian Grille, Boca Raton, FL on Saturday, March 9, 2024. A burial of his ashes and family gathering will be held at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA during the summer of 2024 on a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phil’s Memory to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut or the Alzheimer’s Association by clicking the links below.
“MY WAY” by Frank Sinatra was one of his best songs and the words carry forth in the manner Dad enjoyed and lived life, especially post-retirement. May he enjoy being with those that are singing with him in “Eternal Karaoke Heaven”!
