Phillip Michael Kabealo

Phillip Michael Kabealo, age 76, died Wednesday, September 11, 2024, after a short but brave battle with cancer. Phil was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on November 15, 1947, the fourth child of five to parents Charles and Mary Kabealo. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mary, and by his oldest brother, Charles (Larry). He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janice (Jeffers) Kabealo, and his beloved children, Lesley (Andre) de Leon, and John (Sarah) Kabealo, and six grandchildren; Calder and Elodie de Leon, and Charles, Henry, George, and James Kabealo. In addition, he is survived by his siblings: Frank Kabealo, Karen Spicer, and Mark Kabealo, plus a host of other relatives. Phil graduated from Columbus North High School in 1965, and The Ohio State University with a B.A. degree in 1971. He served as an Airborne Ranger and infantry officer in the U.S. Army from 1971-1974, first at Fort Benning, GA, then as part of the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, NC, where he was later assigned to a Special Forces detachment. When he returned to Columbus, he founded Buckeye Waste Control, Inc. and later was part owner of Logan (Co.) Landfill. He was also president of Kabealo Brothers, Inc. Phil’s greatest love in life was his family, followed by his interests in reading, photography, politics, and military history. He was a passionate Ohio State football fan who took great pride in sharing that the Kabealo family has had more brothers who played OSU football than any other family. His father, Charles, and 3 uncles, George, John, and Mike played football between 1929 and 1943. The brothers had 2 sisters, Anne and Katherine, who were OSU cheerleaders. Phil was an enthusiastic and involved participant in the community and in the activities of his children. Along the way, he showed his support to numerous organizations including Dublin Youth Athletics baseball and football, Muirfins swimming, and the Ohio Hunter Jumper Organization. He was an avid member of booster groups that supported Dublin Coffman High School Athletics and Princeton Football. Phil loved watching his children participate in high school cheerleading, horseback riding, football, baseball, and track. He often recalled fond memories of his involvement with these organizations and their participants, as well as with countless neighborhood gatherings over the years. He was especially proud to see the continued strength of the Ohio State ROTC program, as well as to be contacted late in life by the Ohio State Football team as it made broader outreach to the Ohio State ROTC and veteran communities. Phil will be best remembered as a loving husband, dad, and grandpa with a booming voice and incredible wit. He could either find or create humor in almost any situation, and he played a key role in the lives of a number of young athletes navigating the college recruiting process. The family asks that friends write down a special memory or humorous situation involving Phil and send it to them via email or mail. In addition, Phil’s family would like to thank the incredible team of caregivers at the James Cancer Hospital. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell. Per Phil’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate in Phil’s name to support research, education and training, and patient programs related to the prevention and cure of esophageal cancer at: The James Cancer Hospital’s Esophageal Cancer Oncology Fund Number: 321902 (https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/321902).

Phillip Michael Kabealo

November 15, 1947 - September 11, 2024