Philip G. Labasi age 80, born in NYC, Mr. Labasi grew up in Rahway and had resided in the sate for most of his life before moving to South Carolina and later moving to Hazlet, New Jersey.


Philip attended Seton Hall University earning his bachelors degree in business and went on to Seton Hall School of Law were he received his Juris Doctorate. He was a member of ROTC while at Seton Hall commissioned upon graduation in 1962 assigned to Fort Story, Virginia.

Upon completion of active-duty Phil joined the U.S. Army Reserves, 4th Brigade, 78th Division. He proudly served for over 20 years eventually retiring having achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. During his tenure he was awarded numerous medals and honors, including graduating from the Command and General Staff College.

Philip proudly served as a member of the Scotch Plains volunteer fire/rescue squad during the 1970’s, and was a proud member of the Italian American organization.

After military service Philip worked for the U.S. Government starting his career as a field representative for the Social Security Administration, eventually moving up to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Care Financing. Upon retirement he started a new career with the state of New Jersey Medicaid Fraud Division. Philip was part of a team that recovered millions of dollars to the state.

He was an adjunct professor at Brookdale Community College for 5 years, teaching business law at night. Shortly before relocating to South Carolina, he became a driving instructor for Genes Driving School located in Old Bridge, NJ.

He also proudly served as an elected member of the Scotch Plains Board of Education and in later years as a member of the Edison Township Board of Education where he served for 9 years.

In 2004, Philip and Beverly moved to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina where they resided for the next ten years. While there, they opened Guardian Driving Academy, focusing on teaching new teen drivers how to safely take to the road. Philip loved working with the teens, bravely venturing out on the road with them behind the wheel. Teaching became one of his biggest passions.

In early 2015 Philip and Beverly moved back to New Jersey to be closer to family, moving first back to Edison and eventually setting up roots in Hazlet.

Philip is predeceased by his mother, Alma Benvenuto and father, Calogero Labasi. He leaves behind his wife, Beverly (nee) Van Buren, children Kristin and Bob Haug, Col. Duke (ret) and Allison Labasi, Matthew and Michelle Labasi, and six beloved grandsons John, Luke, William, Jacob, Charles and Henry. He also leaves behind his cherished beagles, Dexter and Gemma.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Villalobos rescue center (pit bulls and parolees) or The Make A Wish Foundation.