Obituary: Philip Sibilia

Dr. Philip B. Sibilia, DDS, 85, a lifelong resident of Mansfield, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, September 9, 2012.

He was the beloved husband of Pauline M. (Krawczun) Sibilia, to whom he was wed on December 20, 1953.

Born in Mansfield on November 22, 1926, he was a loving son of the late Antonio and Christina (DeSarro) Sibilia.

Dr. Sibilia attended Mansfield Public schools thru the eighth grade, and graduated from Monsignor Coyle High School in 1943.

A veteran of the United States Navy during WWII, he served in the Armed Guard in the American, European and Pacific theatres. Upon being honorably discharged in 1946, he went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College, and then a Doctorate’s degree from Georgetown University in 1957.

For over 40 years, Dr. Sibilia practiced dentistry on North Main St. in Mansfield, prior to retiring in 2000. His successfulness was not only for his expertise as a dentist, but also for the professionalism and kindness with which he treated his patients. Dr. Sibilia was a lifelong member of the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society. He was a member of the dental staff at Sturdy Memorial Hospital since 1958 and had formerly served for five years as Chief of the Dental Department.

A lifelong communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield, Dr. Sibilia was a member of the George C. Shields Council 420 Knights of Columbus in Mansfield, was an Alumnus of the Society of Catholic College Graduates and was also a former member of the Mansfield Rotary Club.

Dr. Sibilia was a sports enthusiast his entire life, baseball being his favorite. When younger he played baseball for local teams. Above all in life, his main concern was for family and he treasured the wonderful years spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandsons.

In addition to his beloved wife of over 58 years, he is survived by his devoted children, Paula M. Symonds of North Carolina, Philip A. Sibilia of Plainville, Mary A. Sibilia of Attleboro, Nancy E. Sibilia of Mansfield, Karen J. Mee of Brighton, Anthony P. Sibilia of Mansfield, Theresa E. Kais of Connecticut, Laura J. Nevdal of Oregon, Christina R. Montanari of Danvers, Dr. Robert F. Sibilia, DMD Paul M. Sibilia of Mansfield and Michael J. Sibilia of Connecticut. He is also survived by his dear brother Rudolph Sibilia of Mansfield, his cherished 17 grandchildren, 2 great grandsons, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His Funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Friday, September 14th at 10:30 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 13th from 5-8 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Sibilia’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s School, 330 Pratt St., Mansfield, MA 02048.

For additional information, please visit www.shermanjackson.com