Philip James Reginelli

Philip James Reginelli, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully July 6, 2017 in Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Peggy Ann Reginelli. Phil was the youngest of 11 children born to Silvano and Rosa Reginelli, Italian immigrants that settled and farmed near Lake Village, Ark. Phil was born Feb 29, 1932 and carried his proud heritage with style and grace for his entire life. He is survived by one sister, Marie Jones of Monticello. After graduating from Lake Side H.S. in Lake Village, Phil was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas and was a star wing back and defensive back from 1950-1954. He remained an avid Razorback fan and followed every team, men's and women's. Razorback Nation will miss him! He met the love of his life, Peggy Ann Rogers while both were attending school in Fayetteville and they were married May 9, 1954. Following his grid iron days at Arkansas, Phil became the Athletics Director and head football coach at Prescott High School from 1957-59. His first team won only one game the year prior to his arrival, then under Coach Reginelli, they went 9-3; then won a total of 21 games during the three Reginelli years. Forty five years later in 2004, 18 members of those teams traveled from around the country to honor their friend and Coach at a reunion in Jonesboro. Each and every one of them spoke about the enduring impact Coach Reginelli had on their lives, many with tears in their eyes. Phil joined Dillard's Department stores for many years; initially as a buyer in Little Rock and then as long-time store manager of the Jonesboro store. It was here where he and Peggy raised 5 wonderful children; Patsy White of Jonesboro, Mary Catherine Reginelli, Becky Gennings and Philip Reginelli all of Memphis and Amy Fusting of Washington D.C. Phil is survived by seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sons-in-law Marty White and Grady Gennings and daughter-in-law Cathy Reginelli. Phil became associated with Fred Dacus Realtors for 33 years following his days at Dillard's. Truly a team player, he cherished the friendships forged at both companies. He held special regards for his friends and extended family in Prescott, Monticello and Lake Village, Ark., and Shaw Miss. Family and friends are invited to visit at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1105 E. Highland Dr., from 11:30 to 12:30 on Wednesday July 12. A funeral Mass will follow at 1 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament, 614 S. Church St. Phil requested that consideration be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Blessed Sacrament building fund for those wishing to honor his memory. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.