Clover, SC – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Philip “Phil” G. Calabritto, 74, of Clover, SC, a longtime resident of Charlotte, NC, on November 16, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Phil was the only child of Adeline Florentino Calabritto and Edward J. Calabritto, who preceded him in death.
Born and raised in South Philadelphia’s Italian community, he moved to North Carolina to attend Oak Ridge Military Academy, allowing his family to be near his maternal Uncle Joe and Aunt Edie Fiore. North Carolina soon felt like home, where his roots deepened and he created a life grounded in love and purpose. Phil was a respected businessman, coach, mentor, and friend whose guidance and generosity touched many lives. Above all, he cherished being a husband and partner to Karen, father and “Pops” to his children and “grands”. Together, Phil and Karen built a home overflowing with warmth, laughter, and unbreakable bonds.
His home was his sanctuary; the kitchen was its heart. Phil was always whipping up a “simple” meal, though it was usually anything but simple. Often a production of sizzling pans, homemade sauces, and overflowing with an array of delectable offerings, always with Karen right by his side, washing up as fast as Phil could dirty them and providing taste-testing support at every step. Their children, the trusty sous chefs Scott and Roseann, and the daughters-in-law Nikkie, Heather, and Tina, always jumping in to make the magic happen. The younger sons, Bobby and Chad, knew better than to try to get in the middle, but they were close by, offering comic commentary and handling trash duty. Nothing captured the essence of this more than their infamous Christmas Eve “La Vigilia” dinners, evenings carefully planned and crafted to combine his Italian traditions with the cherished southern traditions of Karen and her mom, Nellie’s family. The “feast of the seven fishes” became 20, with yearly attempts at trying desperately to recreate the Belcher chocolate pies, a reflection of Phil and Karen’s love for family and traditions, and his never-ending quest to show love through food, especially to Karen.
Beyond the home, Phil embodied sprezzatura, with his impeccable style, grace, and attention to detail present in every aspect of his life. From the boardroom to the dance floor, his magnetism was effortless. Coaching was one of his many natural gifts. Whether through baseball, softball, and other sports, or through mentoring at work and in the community, he took great care to teach fundamentals, teamwork, and perseverance. No one who ever played for him will ever forget Coach Calabritto, always taking the time to connect with the teammates on a personal level while building championship teams.
Phil applied the same coaching principles in building a respectable career as a world-renowned stone care expert, combining traditional craftsmanship with industry standards. As a member of multiple trade organizations including, NSI (National Stone Institute), NTMA (National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association), ASCC (American Society of Concrete Contractors), as well as USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association International), IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) and IFMA (International Facility Management Association). As a foremost authority in his industry, he played a pivotal role in the invention and improvement of instruments and methods that advanced the stone and surface industry to the next level. His work was an extension of his family, with all his sons working alongside him for many years, and teammates becoming cherished members of our family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Nance Calabritto, and their four children: Scott Calabritto (married to Tina), Roseann Calabritto Surratt, Bobby Nance (married to Heather), and Chad Nance (married to Nikkie). He leaves behind—Daylon, Jacob, Blaze, Cy, Riggins, Catcher, Gage, and Camden, as well as great-grandchildren Sylvia and Apollo, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy and pride.
The family will receive guests on Thursday, November 20, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, located at 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina. Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel at Greene’s on Friday, November 21, at 10:30 a.m. with a graveside service immediately following.
The family is deeply grateful for the wonderful care provided by the Hospice & Community Care team. For those who wish to honor him, memorial donations may be made in his name to Hospice & Community Care of Rock.
To contribute online, please use the secure donation link: Donate to Hospice & Community Care
Condolences can be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net