Phillip Saverino Jr., age 82, after a life richly lived, passed away at home on April 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born on April 5, 1943, Phil was a lifelong resident of St. Joseph, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents Philip (1969) and Georgia (2007), brother Melvin (1961), Floyd (2003), and son Christopher (2003). Survivors include his wife, Linda, son Jeff Saverino (Marnie), stepdaughter Kim Lux (Roger), brothers Everett Saverino, Ron Saverino (Donna), Steve Saverino (Leslie), sisters Mimi Verhaeghe (Gary), Becky Dahl (Curt) and Angie Moates (Jay), as well as beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Not long after graduating from Central High School, Phil took over the Saverino Safe & Lock Company which was originally established by his father Phillip Sr. in 1920. Having worked there for over 60 years, Phil watched it grow into a four generational family business. It seemed everybody went to Saverino's for their keys. He could quickly unlock car doors, trunks, antique boxes, padlocks, knob locks and anything else with a key. Not to mention, there was not a combination safe that he could not open. He loved being a locksmith as he quickly made friends with his customers from all over St. Joseph and nearby communities.
Phil had a wide range of interests throughout his lifetime. In his younger years, he loved fast cars. He rebuilt his '65 Mustang, built a custom hot rod, and he often participated in races at the Kansas drag strip. Much like his father, he enjoyed tearing around town on a motorcycle. If you happened to be his passenger, you better be hanging on for dear life because you never knew when he might jump a curb and take a shortcut. Phil also enjoyed bowling, playing softball, golfing, trips to Las Vegas casinos, driving excursions to visit out of state relatives and later in life, riding his Honda Gold Wing to motorcycle rallies. He was a avid reader of all kinds of books. He also liked watching old movies and westerns. One of his favorite things to do was hang out in museums. Never in a hurry, he stopped and read every word on every display sign with a child-like curiosity in his eyes. Phil loved playing cards with the guys at the shop and according to them, he often walked away the winner. He loved betting on horse races with his family and friends. He studied the racing forms and could quickly tell you the names of the jockeys, trainers and racing statistics. Going to the dog races at the Woodlands with the guys was yet another entertainment venue for him. And then there was football season, Super Bowl and March Madness which made him very happy- Especially if his team won.
The best way to describe Phil Saverino is he had a heart of gold that was as big as the world. If you needed help of any kind, he was your go-to guy. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. He was an exemplary individual as he taught everyone through his lifestyle how to live each day like it is your last.
Happy Trails Phil until we meet again!
Celebration of life 2-4 P.M. Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.
