Philip Michael Wayner

PHILIP MICHAEL WAYNER age 5, was called home to our Lord on September 1, 2022 after his 2.5 year battle with leukemia. Beloved son of Kathryn “Katie” and Michael “Mike”; loving brother of Vincent, “Vinny” and Robert “Robby”; cherished grandson of Susan and the late Dean Weibley, Paul and Amanda Wayner and Louisa Bertone; dear nephew of Jessica and John Urban, Fr. Michael Weibley, O.P., Sarah and Dominic Polito, John and Marissa Wayner, Davin and Jenn Hill and great-nephew, cousin and buddy of many.

On October 30, 2016 Katie and Mike were given the gift of their first born, Phil. Our sweet Philly loved the outdoors. He loved yard work, especially cutting the grass, and would spend hours picking up sticks and blowing leaves in his favorite space, his yard. He enjoyed bacon on many things, but especially pizza, and developed a love not only for superheroes, but for the “bad guys” too. Phil enjoyed Legos, golf, and laughing at Daddy. Although annoyed at times by Vinny’s nonsense, Phil loved being a big brother. Phil was so strong and brave during all that he faced. In his short life, he spent a lot of time in or at the hospital but was always able to find fun and laughter in those moments and bring joy to all those he encountered. He was a true gift to everyone he met. Philip’s parents would like to express their deepest gratitude to the community who surrounded Phil and their family during his diagnosis and treatment. Thank you to the individuals and communities who were Phil’s prayer warriors, lifting Phil up in daily prayer. His parents would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital for their devoted care to Phil both inpatient and on his clinic days, as well as the team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital who worked tirelessly during Phil’s most challenging days.

In honor of Phil, The Wayner family asks that you consider a donation in Philip’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Dare to Dream Initiative. This initiative focuses on the concept that each child’s disease is unique and they should be treated differently for their blood cancer. The mutations on Phil’s leukemia were rare, and therefore standard treatment protocols failed him. The goal of this initiative is to improve the ability to tailor treatment to a child’s unique tumor biology. The family prays that this initiative will help cure children with unique cases, just like Phil’s.

DONATE here

Relatives and friends are requested to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at Church of the Resurrection 32001 Cannon Rd, Solon, OH 44139 at 10 AM. Following Mass, a brief viewing will be held at the church. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Arrangements by THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.)