Michael T. Philo

May 16, 1965 - March 16, 2022

Michael Philo, 56, a resident of Northville passed away after a brief and ferocious battle with cancer at home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Amsterdam, NY on May 16, 1965. The son of Paulette Sadam Lewek and the late Richard Philo. Michael touched many people in his short life, from family, to friends that became family, to work friends, sports friends, and basketball at "The Y" friends. Many of us were blessed with a man who expected as much from himself as he did from those who he loved. He shared his love of sports with his four children and worked to develop their skills in whichever sport they chose to pursue. Always supportive, he traveled far and wide to see his kids' games, and when he saw a need in the region for a junior basketball program, he developed the Foothills Hoops AAU basketball program. His most successful venture created several college basketball players, and many many experiences that would never have been, without his hard work and dedication to the kids who became like daughters to him, and fellow coaches like brothers. As quiet as he was, he cared deeply for those he loved, especially his four children Isaiah (Jamie), McKaylah (Jeff), Harmony, Annika, and grandchildren, Olivia, Logan, Lincoln, Hadley, Eli, and of course, puppy Ripley. He was very devoted to his wife Heather, his mom, Paulette Lewek and step dad, Jim. His other "mom", Aunt Kathy Hallenbeck (Murray), his brother Pete (Kelly), and his cousins, raised as sisters to him, Christine Jarvis (Steve), and Amy Hallenbeck along with their kids (Tyler, Carter, Charlie, and Maddux), as well as his in laws and nephews Liam, Isaac, Ben, Jake, and Liam. The number of friends who love him and will miss him dearly is remarkable. From the Burnt Hills days and high school basketball, to the Saratoga "Dare Tournament" days, to Semi- Pro Football with the Colonials and Zephyrs, to NYS Correction’s work friends, to the AAU family, and friends that he and his family built over the years to be as close as family can be. We have all been truly blessed by knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you go out and support any local sports program in his name, especially youth programs. Whether it be small donations, or even coaching, support for youths in sports will give them lifelong experiences and benefits that will last into their futures. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Northville Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.northvillefuneralservice.com.