Phillip ''Phil'' Bancale

Phillip Joseph Bancale passed away December 8, 2021, in Waco, Texas surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at the Northside Church of Christ in Bellmead on December 11, 2021 at 10:30 am.

Phil was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 30, 1939, to Josephine Spirig and Ernest Bancale. He attended East Rutherford High School and graduated in 1957. Phil and Lillian were married on February 3, 1962. They were married for over 59 years at the time of Lillian’s passing. Phil worked at Safeway for over 35 years as well as Apple Tree and Market Basket before retiring.

Phil served over 43 years on the La Vega School Board. During his tenure on the board, he was involved in the replacement of every campus in the La Vega School District. He volunteered regularly to read to the elementary students. In 2019 the La Vega Independent School District added his name to the La Vega Primary School naming it La Vega Primary – Phil Bancale Campus. Phil also served as a long time Deacon and later an Elder at La Vega/Northside Church of Christ.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Josephine Bancale, his wife, Lillian Bancale, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Ada and George Mitchell, his sister Marie Chiesa, brother Eugene Bancale, sister-in-law Johanna Bancale and brother-in-law Charlie Bruno, Brother in-law William Mitchell, his wife Claudia Mitchell and brother-in-law, James Mitchell. He is survived by his children, Michael Bancale and wife Teresa, and Angela Carey and her husband Billy; her grandchildren, Jessica Bancale, Jennifer Mullins and her husband Keenan, Scott Bancale, Lauren Bancale and husband Josh Mayfield and Mitch Carey and wife Sarahi; great-grandchildren Makenzie and Kynleigh Brandt; Kaison, Brayson, Brayden, and Stella Mayfield; Danalynn and Maya Jackson, Abigail Carey; and Sebastian Mullins. Phil is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Lorraine Bancale, Nancy Ramsey, and Barbara VanWinkle as well as close longtime friends, Reggie and Mary Olson, Betty Moore, Anita Carter and Dovie and Truman Burrows, his cat, Meryl, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would also like to thank the nursing staff and doctors at Ascension Providence and Providence Hospice Place. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Sharon Shields for her support and encouragement.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the La Vega Pirates Education Foundation, P. O. Box 154897, Waco, Texas 76715.