Philip R. Maceli, 89, of Frontenac, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, at Via Christi Village. Philip was born June 12, 1935, the son of Paul and Zelma (Head) Maceli. Philip was born and raised in Frontenac, KS. Attended high school at Saint Joseph Military Academy. He graduated from Kansas Teachers College in 1957. Philip attended MIT through his work with AT&T, he then relocated to Syracuse, NY where he met Natalie Jean Constance, they married Feb. 7, 1959. In 1964, Natalie sadly passed away leaving Philip widowed with two sons, Scott-3 and Jess-one week old. Philip moved to Huntsville, AL to work for NASA. While in Alabama, Philip met Mary Ann who was a widow with four children. Philip and Mary Ann wed on June 15, 1968, she preceded him in death on 12/22/2022. Philip and Mary Ann moved to Houston, where Philip worked with NASA on the Apollo missions. After the program, they returned to Philip’s hometown of Frontenac, KS. There, Philip and Mary Ann owned and operated Easy Money Pawn Shop for over 40 years, from 1978 to 2022.
Survivors include his children, Scott Maceli of North Bend, WA, Hillary (Brian) White of Spring Hill, KS, Jess Maceli of Lawrence, KS and Joe Alexander of Pittsburg, KS. A brother, Steve (Marsha) Maceli; thirteen grandchildren, Tiffany (Bryce) McFarland, Alexis (Andrew Roberts) Friskel, Whitney (Sean) Moore, Emma (Levi) Lehman, Katie (Alex) Bulk, Elizabeth Harber, Russell (Teddi) White, Jacob Boyles, Lauren Maceli, Natalie Maceli, Bree Carr, Roman Maceli and Taylor Wiles. Thirteen great-grandchildren, Brayln and Graycn McFarland, Iona and Maeve Roberts, Cason and Kinlee Moore, Haddie, Luke, and Lane Lehman, Anderson and Kade Bulk, Theo Corn, Kiko Seibel.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Zelma Maceli, late wife, Natalie Constance Maceli, late wife, Mary Ann Maceli, two daughters, Ingrid Carr and Heidi Boyles, two grandchildren, Joshua Friskel and Ashley Harry.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Via Christi Village for the loving care provided to Philip over the past couple of years.
A Catholic Mass will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Josh Evans as celebrant. The family suggests memorials to the Sacred Heart Building Fund.
These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E 4th St. Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.
