Phillip D. Vavala, age 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Phil was born in Wilmington on April 18, 1948, the son of Phillip J. and Theresa R.M. Sabatino Vavala. He was a member of Salesianum's Class of 1966, received a B.S. in Biology from St. Joseph's College, a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Delaware, and later completed doctoral work at Temple University.

Phil was a legendary teacher at Salesianum School for over 42 years, helping to educate thousands of young men (sometimes multiple generations of families) in the tradition of Saint Francis De Sales, the gentleman saint. Many of these students would later call him the most influential teacher of their lives, for both the knowledge he imparted to them and the example he set as a compassionate mentor. Phil's impact on the Salesianum community extended well beyond the classroom, having served as Dean of Students, a Board of Directors member, Head of the Science Department, Senior Class Moderator, and a friend and a champion for many faculty and students. Phil was proud to have been influential in the building of Salesianum's Abessinio Science Center, including the 3-story DNA mega molecule. There can be no doubt that "Mr. Vavala" was one of the truest servants Salesianum has known in its 120-year history.

Phil also taught as an adjunct at the University of Delaware, Goldey Beacom College, and Delaware Technical Community College and made numerous presentations nationally as a consultant for the College Board and a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers.

He won a myriad of awards and accolades for teaching excellence at the state and national levels; however, the 3 awards most dear to him were awarded by his peers: his Delaware Biology Teacher of the Year Award, his 249th Engineer Castle presented by the soldiers of his National Guard unit, and his election to the Salesianum Hall of Fame.

Phil was a member of Saint Anthony of Padua and Immaculate Heart of Mary parishes. He served his country honorably in the rank of Captain in the Delaware Army National Guard as Commander of the 249th Engineer Company and as an operations and training officer for the 736th Supply and Service Battalion. Phil enjoyed woodworking, sailing his boats the Interceptor and Devil's Advocate, and researching genealogy.

Most of all, Phil was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family fiercely and spent many happy days with his wife, children, and grandchildren making fresh pasta, wine, and limoncello, as well as in the company of his siblings, cousins, and a large extended family.

Phil is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Kathleen Healy Vavala, daughter Kathleen M. Vavala, son Phillip J. Vavala (Kate); and grandchildren Phillip R., James A. and Elizabeth Vavala and Theresa, James Thomas, and Aubrey Edwards. Phil is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Episcopo (Phil) and Judith Mraz (Robert), brothers James C. Vavala (Agnes) and Mark S. Vavala (Vanessa); and numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces. Phil wanted to express special thanks to his brother, James, who extended his life for 6 years by donating his kidney.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, where family and friends may call from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 12:30 PM. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Phil's honor to the Salesianum Scholarship Fund (https://www.salesianum.org/give/support-salesianum); the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Retirement Fund (oblates.org/support-us); or Delaware Hospice (https://www.delawarehospice.org/donate/).