Philip L Kachersky

Philip Lee Kachersky, a Minister with an open heart and an open mind, spent his life in exploration of what makes us all human.  He passed away on April 22, 2020 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, due to complications from COVID-19. He was 62.  
 
Philip spent his life in ministry both inside and outside of his churches. He was born July 30, 1957 in Ashtabula, Ohio the son of Charles and Carole Kachersky.He was ordained as an American Baptist Minister on July 16, 1989 after receiving his degree from Eastern Baptist Theological School in Philadelphia (now Palmer Theological Seminary).  He was Pastor at First Baptist Church in Girard, and later at First Baptist Church in Jefferson, Ohio. He had a Funeral Director’s license and was able to comfort so many going through the loss of a loved one.  And he was a friend, confidant and sounding board to so many. 
 
He adored his wife, Erin.  After marrying on February 13, 1993, they were inseparable.  They traveled, watched movies, and learned to cook so many different cuisines in so many different methods, always inviting friends to share in the experience. They even took up embroidery. Together, they taught us learning is a life-long process.  
 
Philip was an intellectual living in the real world - always open to new ideas – even if those ideas were challenging to beliefs he had held throughout his life.  He was always interested, always inquisitive, and he loved to debate with his friends. His interests were fabulously varied.  He loved gadgets and computers and cars and all forms of expression.  He was a big man who loved to talk about religion, and technology and its impact on humanity, all while carefully rolling homemade sushi with his friends.   He loved to cook and swap recipes, both as a challenge to his abilities, and as an expression of gratitude for community and friendship.  He was a minister in every sense of the word, constantly working to make our community better.
 
Philip is survived by his wife, Erin (née McClurkin), his mother and father of Niles, his brothers, Patrick (of Golden, Colorado) and Paul (of Hubbard, Ohio), and his nieces and nephews, Jerimiah, Natasha, Naomi, and Zackery, Michael, Christina and Charles. 
 

Calling hours for Philip will be from 3:00PM-5:00PM on Thursday July 30, 2020 at The First Baptist Church at 7 E. Kline Street in Girard, Ohio. Masks must be worn and social distancing guideline will be strictly enforced. You may pay your respects to the family in the church fellowship hall and a tent with chairs will be available outside for continued fellowship. A memorial service will follow the calling hours. Due to limited seating only the immediate family and invited friends will be able to attend the service. The memorial service will be live-streamed and flash drives and DVD’s of the service will be available by request.

Material contributions can be made to Smile Train, 633 3’rd Street, New York, New York 10017.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Family and friends may visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences to Phil’s family.  
 

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