WILMINGTON — Philip Ralph Humbaugh, 86, of Wilmington, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on May 11, 2025, at Cypress Pointe Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington.
Born on September 21, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Ralph and Kathryn (Sommers) Humbaugh of Indiana and Chicago.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Diana (Humbaugh) Williams, and his grandson Miles Humbaugh.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela (Carroll) Humbaugh; daughters Cristina Weekes of Irvine, CA, and Amanda (Thomas) Greene of Palm Beach, FL; son Matthew (Erin) Humbaugh of Rye, NY; six cherished grandchildren: Ryan and Tara Greene; Daniel and Alexander Weekes; and Fletcher and Florence Humbaugh; and nephew, Shawn Williams.
Phil earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Michigan State University, later adding a master’s in statistics. Long before “data science” was a profession, Phil was already living it—designing surveys, risk models, and flavor profiles. Though he was called a Statistician, he was truly a pioneer. He passed this love of numbers and analysis on to his children and grandchildren. Phil enjoyed a successful career at Texaco and General Foods/Kraft, retiring at the age of 50.
In 2001, Phil and Pam moved from Hartsdale, New York, to embrace retirement life in Wilmington. He enjoyed volunteering at the New Hanover County Public Library, supporting international students at UNC Wilmington, and contributing his time at the Wilmington Railroad Museum.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Phil was often found watching games or poring over sports statistics. A devoted Chicago Cubs fan, he was thrilled to witness their historic 2016 World Series win. Beyond sports, he loved reading, long walks, and the company of his cats—currently Tiger, though many beloved feline companions predeceased him. He will be fondly remembered for his dry wit and quick humor, which he kept until the very end. Caregivers at Cypress Pointe loved visiting “Mr. Phil” for his sweet demeanor and the clever remarks that never failed to brighten their day.
Phil carried a beautiful impracticality through life—a quiet rebellion against medical procedures in favor of living each day with joy. When presented with his options for Stage 5 renal failure, he simply said, “I’ve led a good life. I’m fundamentally an optimist. I wake up every day happy to be alive.” That gentle optimism never left him. His warm smile, kind spirit, and unwavering positivity stayed with him to his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
A Celebration of Phil’s life will be held at a later date.
