Death date: Apr 25, 2004
Longshore leader Philip Martin Lelli was born December 4, 1929, in Edgewood and passed away April 25, 2004, in Puyallup. He was the son of Martin and Mary (Baller) Lelli and attended Fife schools and Pacific Lutheran University. H Read Obituary
Some people had differences with Phil, but he was a tremendous asset to the local 23 of ILWU. His leadership was a strong factor making the Longshore local what it is today and that is strong and proud promoting the hard work ethics Phil emphasized.##imported-begin##Tony Tomal##imported-end##
We are sorry for your loss. Phil was a good friend and a source of long giving support. A better Union man I have never known. He will be missed by all. God Bless you and yours. Doug and Sharon Webber##imported-begin##Doug Webber##imported-end##
Phil was a labor leader, astute businessman, fervent christian, and devoted father. It was our distinct pleasure to have met him in 1972 and enjoy his advice and counsel over the years.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Joanne and the Lelli family,
Pat & Kay Duvall##imported-begin##Pat & Kay Duvall##imported-end##
My sincere condolences and sympathy to the entire Lelli family on the death of Phil. I consider myself privileged to be a distant cousin to Phil, related through our ancestor Felix Pedroni (discoverer of gold in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1902) of Fanano, Italy. Phil opened for me entire new insights into our family history and ancestry, for which I am very grateful. I will always remember the Pedroni reunion with him and other American and Italian relatives in Fairbanks in July 2002, and his gracious hospitality to me in January 2004, showing me his boyhood home and relating to me his memories of growing up around the Lelli grocery store in Edgewood, Washington. Phil’s depth of human compassion and breadth of interests and activities and contributions to society were truly great. I will miss him as a distant cousin.
Louis J. Lanzerotti##imported-begin##Louis J. Lanzerotti##imported-end##
Farewell to a great guy, maritime legend and a signficant part of Tacoma's working waterfront history.##imported-begin##Chuck Fowler##imported-end##
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family.##imported-begin##Dave & Linda Benedetti##imported-end##
Although I never met Mr. Lelli, I went through highschool with Jay and Marty. I was saddened when I read of your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you.##imported-begin##Barb Libo##imported-end##
I was honored to help care for Phil during his final illness. Even in great pain, he was always mindful of those around him, cheering them up, cheering them on. The Good Samaritan 4th South sends their condolences to the family and the many friends he leaves behind.##imported-begin##Debbie W., PtCA##imported-end##
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.##imported-begin##Brian and Cindy Crotty##imported-end##
NULL##imported-begin##Dave Maxwell##imported-end##
