Phillip Thomas "Phil" Straniero

Phillip Thomas "Phil" Straniero of Hickory Corners, MI

After a day of golfing and bonding with lifelong friends, Phil peacefully joined the angels on Saturday, September 8, 2018.

The son of Nicholas and May (Chiara) Straniero, Phil was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 7, 1948.

A devout Catholic, loving grandfather, father, son, companion, friend and teacher, Phil connected with people in countless ways. Spending time with family, traveling, golfing with good friends, and furthering his student's education were many of Phil's passions. Phil earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University and was an active member of the food industry for over 50 years. For 31 years he maintained sales management positions nationwide for the Kellogg Company. In 1987 he was promoted to the Kellogg World Headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan and upon retirement in August 2001, held the position of Vice President, Sales Development. He started a second career at Western Michigan University in the spring of 2002 as an Executive-In-Residence in WMU's Food & Consumer Package Goods Marketing Program. Shortly after joining the staff at WMU he began teaching classes in Sales and in Marketing Strategy until the spring of 2017. He was an active member of the Food Marketing Industry Advisory Board at WMU for over 30 years. In addition to his role with the Food Marketing Program he was also on the Dean's Industry Council for the Haworth College of Business. Phil was the current Chairman of the Board for Alliance Foods in Coldwater where he served on their board for the past 14 years. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Plumbs supermarkets in Muskegon, MI

Living out Phil's legacy are three sons, Steven Straniero of Germantown, MD; Mark and Sarah Straniero of Raleigh, NC and Darren and Jill Straniero of Darnestown, MD; his precious grandchildren Sophia, Giuliana, Nolan, Viviana, Thomas, Anna May, Charley, Sutton and Jack Clawson; several nieces and nephews, his mother, May Straniero of Seven Hills, OH; sister, Mary and Bill Bouffard of San Diego, CA; a brother, Dr. Nicholas and Leslie Straniero of Holly Springs, NC and his fiancé, Judy Kaye Kellogg of Hickory Corners. Phil was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 15th at Noon at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, MI 49012, with Father John D. Fleckenstein, Celebrant and Deacon Michael A. Carl, Assisting. Phil's family will greet friends on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until Mass Time in the Church Social Hall. Interment will follow in Yorkville Cemetery, Ross Township. Family and friends will continue Phil's life celebration with a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the committal. Phil's wishes in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Phillip T. Straniero Scholarship Fund at Western Michigan University:
The link to the giving page for the scholarship is: www.mywmu.com/stranierofund
Additionally, checks can be mailed to the following address:
Western Michigan University Development and Alumni Relations
"Phillip T. Straniero Scholarship Fund"
1903 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403

The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Phil's family with their arrangements.