Philip F. Salib

Dr. Philip F. Salib, 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026, at his home in Tallahassee, Florida, after a long struggle with illness. He was surrounded by loving family members.

Philip is preceded in death by his mother Ansaf Hana and his father Fouad Salib. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Gibson and Maggie Salib-Barrios (Matt), and his son Matthew Salib (Lucy), as well as his beloved grandchildren Cameron and Sloane Barrios. He also leaves behind siblings, Shoukry Salib (Susan), Suzan Messiha, Victoria (Mokhtar) Bishai, Lillian Habashi, and Margeret Habashi, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Philip was a devoted husband to his surviving wife, Bonita Salib, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and countless memories.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, on August 28, 1948, Philip attended the University of Alexandria earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He later studied at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom and received a M.Sc. in Computer Aided Design and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering/Fuel Technology. He held certifications as a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional.

Philip’s career included over fifteen years of experience in Electric Utilities, Engineering Consulting, and Development of Advanced Generation Technologies. He published several articles in The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering related to his research regarding the extraction of sulphur from coal in order to reduce acid rain. Philip also had over fifteen years of IT experience, including creating and maintaining project plans for multimillion-dollar contracts to identify schedules, assign responsibilities, and manage risk.

Philip found his greatest joy in being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He knew how to appreciate the simple pleasures in life—a good steak and a glass of scotch when the moment was right and always shared with the people he loved. He enjoyed music, cooking, playing chess, swimming, and listening to NPR and the BBC.

While his absence will be deeply felt, his love, and the memories he created with his family will remain forever. He will be deeply missed and always loved.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary and St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, 4279 Bradfordville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309, on October 2, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, is his final resting place.