Obituary of Phillip Lloyd Peery

Middlesex, New Jersey – The Peery Family is heartbroken to announce that Phillip Lloyd Peery, 59, died suddenly at his home on February 5, 2023.  Born in Fort Collins, Colorado to Marilyn Cooper and the late Lloyd Herman Peery, he lived in Prairie Village, Kansas until 1975, where he became involved with the Boy Scouts, Little League, and served as an altar boy.  He and his family settled in Middlesex in 1975.

During this time, Phil developed a love of art and studied at the Nevad Studios in Dunellen.  After graduating Middlesex High School in 1981, Phil enrolled at Kean College, and after three years, he changed his major to Computer Science.  Though he did not acquire a degree, Phil’s family is extremely proud of the extensive accomplishments and expertise he achieved, including serving as a Premiere Field Engineer for Microsoft and related work with the NYPD Counterterrorism Unit.  Until the day he died, Phil was a lifelong learner and tinkerer, qualities which served him well in both his professional and personal lives.  He was always eager to lend his talents to any who asked.

In 1996, Phil and his older sister Nancy joined the Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch as bagpipers, kicking off a lifelong hobby.  He played in countless parades, weddings, funerals and celebrations.  Every year, when the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve, Phil would march around the block, much to the simultaneous excitement and embarrassment of his son, Ben.

In 2013, Phil suffered a major health crisis leaving him in need of a heart transplant.  He received a donor heart, and his second lease on life, in 2014 from Deidre Axt of Virginia.  Phil corresponded regularly with Deidre’s mother and had the opportunity to meet her family in person.  He treasured this experience and carried it with him daily.

Phil was an avid member and attendant of the New Brunswick Heart Transplant and LVAD Support Group of RWJ New Brunswick where he attended many meetings with his little sister, Cindy.  He was a regular donor to the Plainfield Area Humane Society where, many years ago, he adopted the first family dog (and monumental terror), “Buster,” and where his son Ben put in many years of service.

Phil had numerous hobbies, talents, and interests.  He was an avid computer hobbyist, an activity he made accessible to many, especially his niece Maggie, with whom he spent countless hours “computering”.  He was a painter and musician, his favorite instruments being guitar and the Great Highland Bagpipes.  He was encouraged to both artforms by his father, Lloyd, from an early age.  Phil was a master craftsman and loved working with his hands.  He made numerous pieces of furniture for himself, family, and friends.  Phil loved constructing models (especially Star Trek and Star Wars) and had a passion for electric trains.  He especially loved setting them up around the Christmas tree with his son.  He was always on the lookout to build his coin and stamp collection, loved his scotch, and loved his Kansas City Chiefs, which his family hopes will carry the team through Super Bowl LVII.

Predeceased by his father, Lloyd, and sister, Deirdre Ann Peters, Phil leaves behind his beloved family and devoted friends; mother Marilyn Peery, son Benjamin Lloyd Peery and his husband Stuart Wesley Wilkinson; sisters Nancy Marianne Peery and Cynthia Jean Kyryczenko and her husband Jeffrey; nieces Margaret Jenia Kyryczenko, Melody Peters and her daughter Alanna Peters, Elizabeth Miller, nephews Nathaniel Dowd, Chris Peters and Brett Miller; former wife and friend Catherine Miller; and his very close friends Todd Bartel, Ari Friedman, and Ed Brett.  Phil was beyond appreciative of the staff at the RWJ Transplant Center and to his donor family, all of whom were responsible for Phil’s second lease on life, and in whom he placed his deep trust, endless appreciation, and love.

“In this galaxy, there’s a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And in all of the universe, three million million galaxies like this. And in all of that...and perhaps more, only one of each of us.”  - Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, Chief Medical Officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful if donations were sent in Phil’s name to the NJ Sharing Network (www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org.)

A memorial gathering reflecting Phil's life will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at the American Legion Post #206, Legion Place, Middlesex, NJ 08846 from 2pm until 5pm.  All those family and friends that knew him are more than welcome to join at the Legion.