Philip "Phil" Marcel Blankstein

Philip (Phil) Marcel Blankstein, 62, passed away on December 21, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Phil will forever be remembered as an incredible father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was the epitome of generosity, a living example of putting others before self and the biggest cheerleader for his children. He was notorious for his love of New York sports and the Georgia Bulldogs, was an avid fisherman and always found peace near the ocean. 

Son of Joseph Blankstein and Mary Blankstein (Freeman), he was born February 23, 1962 in Forest Hills, New York along with his older sister Margo. He grew up in a loving home to his parents, a French-speaking father from Belgium and a Juilliard-trained violinist mother from North Carolina who played in the American Symphony. As a boy, he spent years playing little league in New York and his love for baseball only grew from there. After graduating from high school in New York, he set off to play baseball at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was there he would meet a pretty batgirl named Tracie Martin who would later become the mother of their four children. Any chance he had, you could find Phil reminiscing on the glory days playing ball at Winthrop, where he played first base and garnered his reputation as a power hitter and an Academic All American. He passed on his deep knowledge of the game to his children and the countless players who had the privilege of playing for him as Coach Phil. Coaching was one of the great loves of his life, right alongside raising his kids and grandkids. 

Over the years, Phil and Tracie bounced around to a number of places, including South Carolina, Iowa, Nebraska and finally Georgia, where they settled down to raise their four children. Although they later parted ways as husband and wife, Phil and Tracie remained great friends to the very end. To know Phil was to love him, and those who spent time working alongside him in the mortgage industry at HomeBanc and Supreme Lending would tell you about his giving spirit and eagerness to support his peers with steady confidence. He was one of the smartest, sharpest guys around with a knack for technology. He believed in sharing his hard-earned knowledge and gave advice with open hands. Phil moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 2022 in order to be closer to his four grandchildren, who were his greatest pride and joy. He loved being Grandaddy, also known as Grandfajah, and doted on them as much as he could.

We can all agree that this world is a little less bright without Phil in it, but he is no longer suffering after a long battle against ALS. He was a sassy New Yorker turned southern gentleman and a treasured dad, grandaddy, brother, uncle, coworker, coach, companion and friend. Phil found his faith in Jesus later in life, but dedicated his time and resources to Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia. His faith carried him through some of his darkest days and he taught us to keep our eyes on Jesus, love hard, and to cherish the time we have.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary. He is survived by his ex-wife, Tracie, his children Lauren (Ryan) Fogelgren, Brittany (Matthew) Nizzi, Joseph Blankstein and Taylor (Nathaniel) Blankstein-Miller, grandchildren Madeline, Shiloh, Aden and Reid, sister Margo Guzman (Raymond) and niece Gaby along with cousins and other beloved family members.

Phil’s Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at 4:00pm at Piedmont Baptist Church located at 570 Piedmont Rd, Marietta, GA, 30066. 

If attending, his family asks that you bring any photos of your memories with Phil you may have access to, and that you write a short note of remembrance or a story about Phil that makes you smile. Phil’s laugh was infectious and he would have liked to see us reminiscence joyfully together during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association in Phil’s name.

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