Philip E. "Phil" Witman


Philip E. “Phil” Witman, 78, of Narvon, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Born in West Reading, PA on June 18, 1947, Phil was the son of the late J. Elmer and Gertrude (Lick) Witman. He shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Kathy (Wanner) Witman.

Phil was a graduate of Twin Valley High School, Class of 1965, and Millersville University, Class of 1969. He had a deep passion for animals, both domestic and exotic, which led him to a meaningful 34-year career teaching biology at Garden Spot High School. His dedication to both the natural world and the growth of his students left an indelible mark. In his retirement, Phil served as a docent at the Philadelphia Zoo for 20 years, taught science camps at the Reading Public Museum, presented “Nature Thursdays with Mr. Phil” at the Honey Brook Community Library, and earned certification as a Master Naturalist. He served on the board of Historic Poole Forge in Narvon and was an active member of the Elverson United Methodist Church, where he served as Lay Leader. Above all, Phil was a devoted family man, known for his unwavering commitment and his readiness to support and care for his family in any way he could.

Phil was preceded in death by his brother, James “Jim” Witman, Sr., in 2010.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Witman; his daughter, Kristine, and her husband Joel Wenrich, and their children, Finn and Kathryn Wenrich of Narvon; his son, Benjamin, and his wife Lauren Witman, and their children, Mara and Claire Witman of Honey Brook; his sister-in-law, Judy Wertz of Honey Brook; and his brother-in-law, Bruce Wanner and his wife Lisa of New Holland.

A memorial service will be held at Elverson United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 9 th at 3:00 PM, with visitation with the family from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phil’s memory to the Honey Brook Community Library, 687 Compass Road, Honey Brook, PA 19344.

Arrangements by The Labs Funeral Home, Inc. of Honey Brook, PA

For additional information and online condolences, please visit www.thelabsfh.com

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So sorry to learn of the passing of Phil. My heartfelt sympathy for all of the family.

~ JEFFREY CASSEL
10/29/2025 11:44:53 AM

Sending my condolences to his wife and children and grandchildren. He was one of my favorite teachers. He was a blessing to the community and anyone he came in contact with.

~ Elizabeth Grigsby Idaho Falls, ID
10/20/2025 2:21:35 PM

It was my good fortune to graduate with Phil from Millersville University and to work with him at Garden Spot High School for 34 years. Phil was greatly respected by both his co-workers and his students. He was knowledgeable, diligent, and compassionate. His students loved him. He brought the natural world to life for them. His room and his home always buzzed with life and various 'critters". He helped his students see that everything is connected and that they had a role to play in preserving our natural world. He was a devoted husband and father. He made the world a better place. His was a life well lived.

~ Larry Burkhart
10/20/2025 8:35:01 AM

My late husband, Dave Schaffer and I liked and respected Phil. Among my memories are our trip to Namibia and Botswana with Phil. Phil was late arriving to our home in Miquon because 1 of his snakes had "escaped" and he was trying to find it before he needed to leave. Kathy wasn't nearly as fond of Phil's critters and he didn't want her to have to search for the errant critter. He reached out to Kathy from internet cafes whenever we were in a town. I also remember his participation in the Docent training class party held at our home, where he brought a number of his critters. It's not an exaggeration to write that Dune, our late yellow lab. was VERY curious about them! His was a good life, well lived.

~ Sandy Kuritzky
10/18/2025 9:30:33 AM

It was my privilege to sing bass next to Phil in the Millersville University choir and a few years later in the choir at Morgantown United Methodist Church. Phil was unpretentious, never self-promoting, one of a vanishing breed of teachers intensely interested in and deeply knowledgeable about the subjects he taught. Phil had an abiding faith in the Christian gospel that was on display in the way he lived. There will be a reunion.

~ Larry Everhart Denver, PA
10/17/2025 11:09:08 AM

Condolences to Phil’s wife Cathy and their entire family! I had the privilege of exhibiting with Phil outside the Reptile and Amphibian House. Just one of thousands touched by Phil’s knowledge, generosity and humility…As a retired librarian/ Zoo docent favoring reptiles, Phil’s animal knowledge sparked my life in ways that made me more knowledgeable, loving and kinder to all creatures great and small! Until we meet again…

~ Pepper Snowten Jensen Beach, FL
10/14/2025 11:58:09 AM

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