Phil, affectionately known as Chubb by family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2022 after a lengthy illness.
A native Phoenician, Phil was born December 28, 1944 to Philip and Evelyn Calihan. He attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School, Brophy College Preparatory and the University of Arizona where he was a proud Wildcat! Phil was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity and served as their President. Along the way at Brophy and UofA he made many friendships which he treasured throughout his lifetime.
Upon graduation Phil joined Hughes-Calihan, a family-owned business, started by his dad and Harold Hughes. Working with his brothers Peter and Patrick and teaming up with Jim Hughes they grew the business into a highly respected corporation.
Chubb and Anita partnered with the Guelker’s to open Chubb’s, famous for their prime rib. It was a fun popular spot for many years.
Phil was a member of The Thunderbirds who put on the Phoenix Open each year raising money for charity. You could find him volunteering at Skybox 16 helping fans and sharing laughs with his T-bird pals. In addition to The Thunderbirds, he served as President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Phoenix and past President of the Phoenix Country Club.
Phil and Anita enjoyed summers at Lake Tahoe. It was Phil’s favorite place to be. Captain Chubb loved Chubbin around the lake with family and friends. His fondest Tahoe memories were summers spent with son Phil and his buddies cruising the lake and stopping at Chambers Landing.
Chubb will be remembered as a kind, fun loving, wonderful man. He loved his friends, country music, and a cold Miller Lite.
A special thanks to Jamie and the staff at Constant Care who took such wonderful care of Phil the last five years. He was loved by them every day. We would also like to thank Dr. Williams, Amy, and the staff at Hospice of the Valley for their excellent care and support throughout his journey.
Predeceased by his parents and brother Patrick, he is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years Anita, their son Phil III and his wife Robyn and their children Claire and PJ, who Grandpa Chubb loved with all his heart. sister: Mary Kathleen Burkhalter, brother: Peter and his wife Mary, sister-in-law: Becky and a clan of nieces and nephews who will miss Uncle Chubb.
A family Funeral Mass has been held at Brophy Chapel and he has been laid to rest at St. Francis Cemetery, Phoenix, AZ. A celebration of life will be held in the fall.
Contributions in his memory may be directed to The Brophy College Preparatory Generations Endowment Fund at https://www.brophyprep.org/giving/support-brophy or Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower Street Phoenix, AZ. 85014. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Tim Condon
We extend our deepest condolences to the Calihan family.
Tim Condon, CEO AAA Mountain West Group
Cindy Kaczmarek
Steven Peter Burkhalter
May Peace be upon you Uncle Chubb’s and with the Calihan family!
We love you all and each of you are in our Prayers!
Robert & Lisa Barrett
Sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. He was a good man and so fun to be around. Condolences to Anita and the whole Calihan family. May he rest in peace.
Candy Stearns Trimble
A long time friend who always made me laugh! Life is full of laughs but a pretty journey too. Thanks for being my friend Phil and Anita! Rest In Peace friend
John Clark
The Best of the Best, he will be missed.
Phil Griffith
So sorry to learn of Phil Calihan’s passing. While not a close personal friend, but rather an “old phoenix friend of the family”, and customer at Hughes Calihan, and knowing they were an important contributor to Phoenix’s early growth, I got to know Phil better at Chubbs. It was the closest thing I think we had here to Cheers. And, Phil was Norm at the Bar. It was truly one of the best restaurants we ever had. Phil and Gary Guelker saw to that. Lots of fun and good memories. As John Clark noted, he was the best of the best.
Pat Duffel-Lunne
Working at Hughes-Calihan for 7 years were some of my best times…and most of it was due to Chubbs. He always wore a smle and laughter came easy. 5K Runs and the original St.Pattys Day parade with Phil as our capable leader are great memories. Thank you Phil for all those Fun times!
Jim and Pat Jayson
We will always treasure our memories of Chubbs, particularly all the wonderful houseboating trips to Lake Powell. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Anita and to Phil Jr. and his family.
Debra DeRoia Cook
I am so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. I worked at Hughes Callihan in the 80’s and 90′ and always found Phil to be friendly and approachable. I hope that all your wonderful memories will help you get through this difficult time.
Marianne Burton
To Anita and the rest of the Calihan family,
Lee and I were so happy to have had the good times with you and Chubb.
We will always remember his good nature and always a smile!
We think of you often!
Hugs,
Lee and Marianne
Jim & Barbara Shuman
Dear Anita and family,
In reading about Phil’s life I was struck by all that he was involved in and all he accomplished. I certainly remember my cousin as fun-loving, outgoing and with a huge smile. Barb and I are thinking about you and sending love and prayers.
Gary Hoffman
Very sorry to hear about this; Phil touched my life back in the 80’s when I was working at Chubb’s restaurant for many years. Truly a great man, always eager to help. My condolences to his family and especially Anita who I remember as a super nice person.