Phillip Stephen Zilka

Philip Zilka, 95, of Hempfield Township PA, formerly of Monessen PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 14, 2026. He was the son of Joseph Zilka and Dorothy Zilka (Onachila). He is survived by his beloved wife Jeanne Zilka (Tassey); son Philip Zilka, Jr. (Linda Nicassio) and daughters Jill Lamb (Michael) and Gail Zilka; grandchildren Ashley Zilka (Matt Mahmoodi) and Jordan Zilka and great-granddaughter Olivia. He was predeceased by his parents and his seven siblings. Born and raised in Monessen, Pennsylvania, Phil attended Monessen High School, where he excelled on the athletic field in both football and soccer. Known as "Old Dependable, on the Gridiron" Phil embodied the determination and reliability that would characterize him throughout his life. He attended Duquesne University before serving in the Korean War as a member of the United States Third Army. After his discharge he returned home to Monessen where he met Jeanne his beloved wife of 67 years. As the founder of Zilka and Company, Phil built a legacy of hard work and customer service that continues in the leadership of the next generations of his family. His work continued right up until his passing, as he remained actively involved in the business he loved. A passionate sports fan throughout his life, Phil faithfully followed his Monessen Greyhounds, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Yet no team ever captured his heart quite like those of his children and grandchildren. Whether on a ballfield, basketball court, pool deck, or elsewhere, he could always be found cheering from the sidelines, rarely missing an opportunity to support them. For more than 70 years Phil enjoyed spending time at Deep Creek Lake making lifelong memories with family and friends. Alongside his wife Jeanne and their family, he found great joy in traveling both domestically and abroad. Above all else, Philip loved his family and his faith. Philip was a devoted Catholic whose faith always remained an important part of his life. He was a longtime parishioner of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, formerly Most Holy Name Church in Monessen. He led his family by example through his work ethic, dependability, and devotion. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he cultivated, the business he built, and the countless lives he touched. Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. And Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue, Monessen, PA 15062. Services will begin on Wednesday November 18th, with a Blessing Service at 10:00 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass at Epiphany of our Lord Church, beginning at 10:30 am with Rev. Michael Thomas officiating. Entombment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Epiphany of our Lord Church, 44 Pennsylvania Blvd., Monessen PA 15062. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com/.