Forever In the Hearts They Leave Behind

Philip J. Kerwin Jr.

October 30, 1942 – August 22, 2026


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Philip J. Kerwin Jr., of Arizona, passed away surrounded by those who loved him.
Philip was born on October 30, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in Detroit before moving to Arizona in 1979. He attended Notre Dame High School and went on to build a career that included working as a test driver at the GM Proving Grounds and later as a truck driver for Safeway, from which he retired in 2017.
Philip had a lifelong love of automobiles and enjoyed all things related to cars. He was particularly proud of his beautifully restored 1931 Model A, which reflected his passion and appreciation for classic automobiles.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Kerwin; his parents, Philip and Frances Kerwin; his sister, Kathleen Kerwin Beam; and his brother-in-law, Elmer Beam.
Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Kerwin; his children, Philip Kerwin III and Stephanie Kerwin; his grandchildren, Samantha Waelde and Krystal Kerwin; and his siblings, James Kerwin and his late wife, Sandra Kerwin, and Mary Kerwin and her husband, Joseph Caplis.
A service honoring Philip’s life will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona 85207.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic, 5881 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054-4502.
Philip will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for automobiles, and the lasting memories he created with those who knew and loved him.

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  1. Armondo Sweeeney says:

    Phil, you will be greatly missed. You were more than just my neighbor, you were a really great friend. I’ve always admired your passion for cars, and eye for perfection. Your mind was always working, and looking for how to improve the cars. I will forever remember the times we spent together in the shop- working, laughing, and sharing stories. I’ll especially miss all your old school hotroding stories. Thank you for being a friend to me and my family, for all the good times, and for always being a friendly face to see around the neighborhood. I couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor the past 12 years. You will always be in my heart. Rest in peace, see you on the other side.

  2. Kathleen McCarthy says:

    To the family of this guy who was bigger than life. My sincere condolences. May he RIP with all those he loved that went before him.
    Sending prayers and support from Michigan.

  3. Mike Maiorana says:

    Phil was simply one of the finest people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. After meeting him and Janice one time, they welcomed me into their home for the holidays, as I was new to the Phoenix area and living alone. May God bless this wonderful man as he walks with the Lord in eternal peace.

  4. Soren Saggio says:

    Phil was a great guy. I never saw him anything but smiling and happy. I always enjoyed having conversations with him as he was witty, humorous, and always informative. He absence definitely leaves a void in this world, as the world is a lesser place without him in it. To Janice and his family I offer my sincere condolence, love, and prayers.

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Philip J. Kerwin Jr.

October 30, 1942 – August 22, 2026


Share Obituary:

Send Flowers Print Obituary
Philip J. Kerwin Jr., of Arizona, passed away surrounded by those who loved him.
Philip was born on October 30, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in Detroit before moving to Arizona in 1979. He attended Notre Dame High School and went on to build a career that included working as a test driver at the GM Proving Grounds and later as a truck driver for Safeway, from which he retired in 2017.
Philip had a lifelong love of automobiles and enjoyed all things related to cars. He was particularly proud of his beautifully restored 1931 Model A, which reflected his passion and appreciation for classic automobiles.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Kerwin; his parents, Philip and Frances Kerwin; his sister, Kathleen Kerwin Beam; and his brother-in-law, Elmer Beam.
Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Kerwin; his children, Philip Kerwin III and Stephanie Kerwin; his grandchildren, Samantha Waelde and Krystal Kerwin; and his siblings, James Kerwin and his late wife, Sandra Kerwin, and Mary Kerwin and her husband, Joseph Caplis.
A service honoring Philip’s life will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona 85207.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic, 5881 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054-4502.
Philip will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for automobiles, and the lasting memories he created with those who knew and loved him.

Share Obituary:

Send Flowers Print Obituary
  1. Armondo Sweeeney says:

    Phil, you will be greatly missed. You were more than just my neighbor, you were a really great friend. I’ve always admired your passion for cars, and eye for perfection. Your mind was always working, and looking for how to improve the cars. I will forever remember the times we spent together in the shop- working, laughing, and sharing stories. I’ll especially miss all your old school hotroding stories. Thank you for being a friend to me and my family, for all the good times, and for always being a friendly face to see around the neighborhood. I couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor the past 12 years. You will always be in my heart. Rest in peace, see you on the other side.

  2. Kathleen McCarthy says:

    To the family of this guy who was bigger than life. My sincere condolences. May he RIP with all those he loved that went before him.
    Sending prayers and support from Michigan.

  3. Mike Maiorana says:

    Phil was simply one of the finest people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. After meeting him and Janice one time, they welcomed me into their home for the holidays, as I was new to the Phoenix area and living alone. May God bless this wonderful man as he walks with the Lord in eternal peace.

  4. Soren Saggio says:

    Phil was a great guy. I never saw him anything but smiling and happy. I always enjoyed having conversations with him as he was witty, humorous, and always informative. He absence definitely leaves a void in this world, as the world is a lesser place without him in it. To Janice and his family I offer my sincere condolence, love, and prayers.

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