Paul Philip Theobald Geibel, better known as Phil, passed away peacefully on September 30,2023, at the age of 86 at his home in New Port Richey, Florida. Phil was born in Hornell, New York on January 12, 1937 to Paul and Dillistine Geibel (predeceased), and joined his sister Gretchen (predeceased).

He was raised in Rochester, New York. After high school Phil attended Alfred Technical College where he met Mrs. Elvira DeWitt, a devote Christian who led him to Christ. He returned to Rochester and began attending Brighton Community Church (now Browncroft Community Church) where he grew in his faith. He also began his studies at Roberts Wesleyan College (RWC) in social work and psychology. His studies were interrupted for a short time when he was drafted into the army and joined the Army National Guard. After basic training, he returned to RWC and graduated in 1963. At RWC he met his love, Carole Root. and they were married in 1964.

After graduation Phil worked with teens at Hillside Childrens’ Center, Monroe County Family Court, and incarcerated juveniles at Industry, NY.

In 1968 Phil and Carole moved to Washington, D.C for Phil to attend Howard University. He graduated with a Masters in Social work in 1971. Returning to Rochester he worked at Hillside Children’s Center, then as Assistant Director for the Monroe County Mental Health Dept.

In the late 70’s he was called into the ministry to become the Director of Monroe County Youth for Christ(YFC). After leaving YFC, he opened a Christian practice for individual, marriage and family counseling.  He also became an Adjunct Associate Professor at RWC where he taught psychology and counseling courses.

In 1994, Phil and Carole moved to New Port Richey, Florida to extend their passion for sailing year round. They bought a home on the water where their sailboat could be docked. During the next 10 years, Phil worked for Hernando/Pasco Hospice as a social worker and grief counselor.

After retiring in 2006 Phil and Carole enjoyed cruising the Gulf of Mexico, flying to Seattle to spend time with sons and their families, visiting U.S NATIONAL PARKS in the West, and making wonderful new friends while touring 28 different countries.

At his church, First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, Phil help start a grief share ministry and a Life Coach counseling service. He was the devotional leader and heart of the Thursday Morning Men’s Breakfast for several years. He and Carole also led a ministry for the seniors where his humor and wit brought laughter and love to all.

In 2010 Phil began experiencing short-term memory loss and was later diagnosed has having the onset of Alzheimer’s.  He was able to continue his active life of church activities, sailing and traveling until about 2 years ago.  His humor and wit never left him, although it became more difficult to talk. You could tell what he was thinking behind that smile. Phil remained sweet and loving throughout his illness.

Phil and Carole’s  last mission field was in their home during his illness until he passed. Everyone who entered expressed that they felt the love of God, peace and joy, and witness the undying love between a man and wife. Phil took his last breaths with Carole’s arms around him.

Phil touched many lives serving God with his God given gifts of love for other, counseling and humor.

He is survived by his loving wife and “sailor girl” Carole of 59 years; 3 children – Jason (Genevieve),Aaron (Jan), Pam; 4 Grandchildren, Hanna, Madison, Liam, Dylan.

Phil’s celebration of life will delayed for a couple of months to allow family and friends to attend.