Margiotta, Philip “Junior” June 30, 1924 - November 18, 2023

Philip Joseph Margiotta, of New Rochelle, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2023 in New Rochelle, NY. He was 99 years old.

Philip (“Phil”) was born June 30, 1924 in New Rochelle, NY to Anna and Philip Margiotta.

He was a graduate of New Rochelle High School and a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, having served his country during World War II.  

Phil had two marriages, first to Rita Bollettieri, with whom he had one son, Philip James Margiotta.   With his second wife, Margaret Fitzpatrick, Phil became the father of two more sons, John Paul and James (Jimmy) Michael Margiotta. Phil immensely enjoyed watching his family grow as his sons married and gave him the gift of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Phil dedicated his life to his family’s very successful wholesale produce business, originally known as M. Trombetta & Sons. Phil and his cousin Steve inherited the business, which they ran together for decades, expanding the business from the Bronx Terminal Market to Hunts Point Market. Phil was thrilled when his sons Philip and Jimmy joined him in running the Hunts Point location. They worked together as a family and a team until Philip’s death in 2010. Jimmy eventually purchased the business from his father, and re-branded it as J. Margiotta Company. Jimmy still runs the business today, and never did a day go by without Phil asking for a detailed sales report. 

In addition to his dedication to the family business, Phil was a lifelong enthusiastic member of the New York Athletic Club, frequenting both its Central Park South and Pelham Manor locations. Phil loved the “baths” and could often be seen in the summer relaxing on the Club’s lawn enjoying a cigar, a drink and conversations with his many friends.

Two of Phil’s best qualities were his generosity and his lifelong ability to make and keep close friends. He loved going out to eat with his friends, and he refused to split the check. His two favorite restaurants were Patsy’s in Manhattan and Joe Nina restaurant in the Bronx. As Phil grew older and his friends passed away, he expanded his circle and continued to make new friends. His sons were often astonished when visiting him, because the phone never seemed to stop ringing. He loved to chat with his friends as he pedaled his stationary bike, rooted for the Yankees and kept his eye on the stock ticker.

Phil lived on his own until he was 98. He had lived in the same home on Interlaken Avenue in New Rochelle for nearly 75 years, though for decades he spent winters first at his second home in Daytona Beach, Florida and later at his son Jimmy’s apartment in the Dominican Republic. Phil also spent several summers in Long Beach, New York sharing a house with Jimmy. 

Phil will be greatly missed by his large family and circle of friends. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Marie Margiotta; his grandson Philip and his wife Jan and their children Zachary, Luke and Katherine; his granddaughter Bianca Olivencia and her husband Eric and their children Mia and Hudson; his son John and his wife Joan and their children Kate, Madeline and Lucy; and his son James and his wife Nicole and their children James, Anna, Isabella and Jack.  

Phil was predeceased by his eldest son Philip. 

A wake will be held for Philip at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home at 20 Cedar Street in Bronxville on Tuesday, November 28th from 4pm-8pm. A funeral will be held at Church of the Holy Family on 83 Clove Road in New Rochelle on Wednesday, November 29th at 10:30 am, with a repass luncheon to be held following the service at the New York Athletic Club at 31 Shore Road in Pelham.