Phillip Ray Salingue, formerly of Martin, died Saturday, Feb. 20, at Wings of Hope Hospice Home in Allegan at the age of 78. His last night was spent enjoying pizza and ice cream with family members by his side.
Born Aug. 12, 1942, in Zeigler, Ill., to Louis and Eva (Bavier) Salingue, he was reared in a family with four siblings, Angeline, Robert, Sadie and Johnnie. Phil loved to fish and play baseball. He had a long career as a sheet metal worker contributing his skills to several huge industrial buildings including the Pepperidge Farm Bakery in Downers Grove, IL; the Life Savers plant in Holland, and the Upjohn Pharmaceutical company in Kalamazoo.
In 1963 he married Claudia Watkins with whom he had four children: Claudette Dee, Phillip William, Thomas Richard, and Theodore William. Most of his sunset years were spent with Joyce McGuire in Martin. Together they enjoyed antiquing, traveling to Florida in the winters and spending time with their blended families and friends.
After Joyce’s death in 2011, Phil moved to Plainwell. His favorite pastimes were attending grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals, trips to Plainwell Ice Cream Company for butter pecan and black cherry ice cream, fishing, and breakfasts at his favorite local diners. He also enjoyed his weekly card games, wine, and meals out with his friends.
He is survived by his children Claudette Lee (Lonnie), Phillip Salingue (Melissa), Thomas Salingue (Sherry), Theodore Salingue (Monica); grandchildren Samuel Lee (Tagin), Emalee Bruns, Mitchell Salingue, Joshua Salingue, Alonna Lee, Owen Salingue, Taylor Salingue, Jackson Salingue, Carson Salingue, Greyson Salingue, Allison Salingue; his brother Johnnie Salingue; sister-in-law Esther Salingue; nephew Rick Holland; nieces Tammy Almaroad, Lisa Thompson, Kelly Harshbarger, Sara Wilson; and many great nieces and nephews.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Eva Salingue; siblings Angeline Noto, Robert Salingue and Sadie Holland; brothers-in-law Frank Noto and Wynn Holland; nieces Marsha Noto and Marla Salingue.
A memorial graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24, at East Martin Cemetery, with a celebration of life luncheon to follow at the Martin Township Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan.
