Phil Ferguson

John Philip "Phil" Ferguson, a witty and charming man, and the much beloved partner of Paul Ferreri, died May 20 at Cleveland Clinic Hospice. Phil was born on October 8, 1942, at Mercy Hospital in Canton, Ohio, to the late Robert Aloysius and the late Mary Elizabeth (Lippert) Ferguson. Phil spent his early years growing up in a rambling Civil War-era house in the small community of Robertsville, in Paris Township, Stark County, Ohio. His first job was mowing the lawn in the cemetery next to the family home. After graduating from Minerva High School in 1960, Phil earned a B.A. in English and Latin from Walsh College (1964), followed by an M.A. in English from Kent State University (1966).Phil's first professional job was as a teacher at his old high school, where he taught English from 1967 to 1971. When Phil later decided that he wanted to become a librarian, the principal at Minerva High School tried to convince the energetic and dedicated teacher to stay, but Phil had his sights set on working in a library in "the big city." After earning a Master of Library Science degree from Kent State University in 1972, Phil headed off to Cleveland and submitted an application to the Cleveland Public Library. The Library's interviewer commented, "he seems to be the type of staff member we need," and Phil started work a short time later, on February 16, 1973.? Phil was a valued and beloved employee of the Library for 25 years, ever eager to be helpful and always with a twinkle in his eye. Phil was the head of Main Library's Popular Library for 21 years, retiring in 1998.Home and garden projects filled Phil's retirement years. It was a common sight for Phil's W. 103rd?Street neighbors to see him out working in his beautiful yard, with classical music softly playing on a radio nearby--always tuned to WCLV. Phil enjoyed reading, collecting antiques, watching?The Golden Girls, traveling, and visiting with his family and friends.Phil was the dear brother of Robert (Kathleen) Ferguson, Marguerite "Peggy" Ferguson, and Elizabeth "Betty" (Peter) Pubaince, all of whom are deceased. He was the loving uncle of Robert Ferguson, Kelly (Pat) Harding, Tracey Sabala, Karen (Mike) Adam, Stacy (Frank) Berendt, and the late Kevin Ferguson. Phil was the loving partner of the late R. Andrew "Andy" Coburn (died 1995) and the late Scott Howland (died 2006). In addition to his extended family and his partner, Paul, Phil is survived by many cherished friends, neighbors and former colleagues, and by his fellow parishioners at St. Augustine Church in Tremont.A celebration of life will be held at a later date.Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Cleveland APL (Phil loved his late canine friends: Butchie the Beagle, Buddy, and Spike) or WCLV classical radio.

Phil Ferguson

May 23, 2022