Philip Louis DeVencentis

Philip L. DeVencentis, 80, of Mahwah and of the Sand Key section of Clearwater, Florida, passed away surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer on Oct. 23. Born in Hackensack on Feb. 21, 1943, Philip was the only child of the late Generosa and Lawrence DeVencentis. He was raised in Bogota, and after graduating from high school, he served for nine years in the Army Reserve.

Philip and his wife of 40 years, Marsha (née Barakat), traveled to 33 countries. Their favorite foreign city, and the one they remembered most was Venice, Italy. Their trips always involved detective work in trying to find people who not only shared the same name, but who were part of the same family. Philip’s mother was born in Italy.

Philip’s love of antique automobiles, and items relating to them, can be found in what he often called the DeVencentis Museum. He owned 45 antique cars in his life, and at the time of his passing, he had three in his garage. His collection included gas pumps, license plates and road signs. He joined antique car clubs in this area, and he maintained lasting friendships with fellow members.

Philip enjoyed a career of 34 years with United Parcel Service. His understanding of the business, including company goals, customer needs and the importance of teamwork, guided him through numerous management positions in accounting and finance. He retired as the corporate materials manager. From there, he moved on to U.S. Filter Corp. as its North American logistics manager. Never content with sitting still, he then started a management consulting firm to help businesses with their day-to-day operations and growth strategies.

Philip was one of the kindest souls on the planet. He was a gentle and giving man, who worked tirelessly to ensure that his family had everything they needed. He faced all challenges with courage and strength. He is now at peace, but he will live on forever in our hearts.

Philip was the devoted father to Lawrence DeVencentis and wife Colleen of Franklin Lakes, Deanna Festa and husband Paul of Montvale, Philip L. DeVencentis Jr. of Mahwah, and Krysta Cedola and husband Nicholas III of Ramsey. He was the loving grandfather to Ava Marie, Julia Lauren, Matthew Philip, Savanna Olive, Stone Francis, Nicholas IV, and Isla Kay.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at St. Paul R.C. Church at 200 Wyckoff Ave., Ramsey, NJ. Immediately followed by entombment at Maryrest Cemetery and Mausoleum at 770 Darlington Ave., Mahwah, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Philip’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38148-0142 or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island NY 10306.