Phil (Chef C) Cervero

01/19/1957 - 03/31/2023

Philip Nicolas Cervero, 66 years young, passed away begrudgingly yet peacefully on Friday, March 31 after a short battle with cancer. A first-generation American, Phil was born on January 19 to Tina and Antonio Cervero of Caserta, Italy. A longtime resident of Bridgeport, Stratford, and Trumbull, on any given day you could find him lending a hand, sharing a laugh, cooking a meal fit for an army, or dishing out wisdom tinged with his signature humor and wit.

Chef C was a beloved culinary arts educator who dedicated 20 years to students at Wright Tech, Bullard-Havens, and Eli Whitney. After retiring, he loved supporting his former students’ ventures, and being prouder of them, no matter their chosen path, than they ever knew. He kept active with Wreaths Across America, helping with odd jobs, cooking, and most importantly, spending time with the grandchildren he adored, Jackson, Madison, and Skylar (his birthday twin).

He is survived by his dear wife, Lori Coates, who enjoyed eight years of hiking, motorcycling, and laughing by his side. Phil is remembered by his beloved “pain in the tush” children, Jennifer and Caitlyn Cervero, much-loved “SIL” Robert Cervero, Amanda and Greg Mora, and all the friends his kids helped him “adopt” through school and IGIP. Phil, youngest of seven, will be deeply missed by older brothers Tony and Rev. Joe Cervero. He was welcomed in heaven by his parents and siblings John, Steve, Frank, and Pauline.

Phil is celebrated by all that had the privilege of knowing this larger-thanlife, deeply loving man that was a class clown and true-blue friend. His bold laugh and infectious humor penetrated every moment of his life and left an indelible mark on those who loved him. A celebration of life will be planned for later this year and will be announced via social media. His legacy will always be of love and a life lived to the fullest.