Philip Lyle Upton

Philip Lyle Upton, 68, of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, after bravely battling Lewy Body Dementia.

Phil was born on April 9, 1955, in Bessemer, Alabama; a son of Carey and Ruby Clevenger Upton.  He and his family relocated to Baldwin Boro where he attended Union elementary school.  He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1973, where he played football (nicknamed “Animal” Upton) and ran track.  He graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Robert Morris University in 1984. 

Before retiring from Marathon Petroleum in Floreffe, where he worked for 22 years, he worked at US Steel-Homestead, University of Pittsburgh (athletic department) and Holy Family Institute.  He was a volunteer fireman for several years and a member of the Floreffe Volunteer Fire Company.

Phil was an avid runner and participated in several marathons, a passion he shared with his daughter, Laurel.  He enjoyed college football, particularly his beloved University of Alabama.  Along with his father-in-law, he remodeled his farm house, took care of his herefords and spent many hours mowing his five acres.  His favorite music included the Allman Brothers and the Foo Fighters.

There Goes My Hero!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Upton Fowlkes, father-in-law, John Spargal, and brother-in-law, Daryl Spargal.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Ann, of 41 years, daughter, Laurel Lee; brother, Bradford (Laura) Upton; mother-in-law, Joyce Spargal; nieces, Jenna Lee (Jason) Smith, Leanne Fowlkes, Mary Claire Upton and Caroline Grace Upton; nephew, Daniel (Christina) Fowlkes; great niece and great nephews; and many friends.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 2 – 7 PM in the Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home, 1701 Route 51, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 10 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

A special thank you goes out to the wonderful caregivers of Heritage Hospice, Arden Courts of Jefferson and Liken Home Care.

If desired, please make a donation in Phil’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org. 

Roll Tide!