Philip John Jenkins
Philip John Jenkins, 71, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 2012, formerly of Long Island, NY, passed away Friday, November 15, 2019 in Cape Coral. He was born August 18, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to father Philip Jenkins and mother Ann Penta, now deceased.
Phil provided a firm and loving foundation for his family, friends and country. He never looked for praise, he just quietly and diligently worked, helping those who he loved most. He was a patriot and protector, with a kind, generous heart. Phil was a Navy veteran, and after his service, he founded and grew a successful NY commercial painting company. When he retired, he did what he loved to do, cook, golf, paint, boat and volunteer for his community. He spent over 5,000 hours volunteering for V.O.I.C.E., in the Coast Guard in FL & NC, served as a bailiff for Lee County Courts, and participated in Lee County’s volunteer Marine Auxiliary Patrol. He was always early, prepared and eager to lend a helping hand. He was a compassionate, gentle and giving man and will forever be our greatest blessing.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cindy Jenkins; his daughter, Donna Jenkins, and her fiancé, Maggie; his son, Shawn Jenkins, and his wife, Sharon; and his brother, Kevin Jenkins and wife, Roscio.
A Memorial Mass with Military Honors will be held 11:00 AM Friday, November 22, 2019 at his chosen church of St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912 with Father Bob officiating.
Memorial Contributions in memory of Philip John Jenkins are suggested to K9s for Warriors: https://www.k9sforwarriors.org / 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Verde, FL 32081.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
I grew up with Philip in Brooklyn, NY. In fact, his Mom Ann rented a basement apartment in my parent’s house. I am so sad to read this obituary of his passing. I could never find him in FaceBook and tried to find him over the last 20 years from time to time when the old Gand met up for lunch or dinners. Philip was always a good friend, even though he was 2.5 years older than me. He was proud of his Cherokee and German (Irish?) heritage. I remember his German grandmother living with them for a time. She was in a wheelchair having lost a leg, His mother Ann was an often visitor in our home after Philip left for the Navy. I was just telling my wife how Philip almost lost his eye because he left a kitchen cabinet open, bent over, and then stood up and the corner of the cabinet cut his eye. To this day, I am careful not to do that myself and warn others. That story is what prompted me to search again. He was always quiet and well respected as an athlete and a tough fighter. God bless his soul and may he Rest In Peace.
I remember another story that Philip told me as we spent many hours sitting on the front stoop of our home. He told me about a time that a bully hit him and he ran home crying. His grandmother or German decent, with one leg was confined to a wheel chair. When he told her what happened, she grabbed her crutch and started beating him with it and told him he could continue to get beat by her, or he could go out and confront his bully. Philip went back to the bully because the crutch hurt a lot more that the bully’s punches. He was able to beat the bully up. Today that would be considered child abuse, but back in the late 1950’s it was called raising men! God bless Philip today on his 72nd birthday! 🎂
Some others in our group of friends reminded me that Philip had a beautiful car with a heart rear window, although we can’t agree on its color. I remember deep purple and others remember green? Whatever color this old 1950’s model sedan was it had beautiful leather seats and he took great pride in it.