Philipp Christopher McCollister

In loving memory, we announce the passing of Philipp Christopher McCollister, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, that departed this life peacefully at his home in Corona, surrounded by his family. He passed due to cancer on May 11, 2026.

Phil was born on December 7, 1948, in Bad Tölz (Bavaria), Germany, to Harry Joseph McCollister, an American soldier, and Christa Maria Rosencrantz, a German citizen. Phil moved to the U.S. with his parents, first landing in New York City in January 1950, then headed west to California, where his two brothers were born and his family settled in Anaheim.

Phil graduated from Anaheim High School in 1967 and began working at Kwikset Locks in Anaheim. His draft number was drawn in the lottery and he subsequently entered the U.S. Army in December 1970, during the Vietnam War. Phil was stationed near Augsburg Germany, near his birthplace. His battalion moved to Goppingen, near Stuttgart, Germany; he arrived back home in December 1972.

Phil met Deirdre (DeeDee) and they began dating in 1973; they were married in April 1976. Phil attended college to become an accountant (CPA), then quit school to care for his growing family. He took a truck driving job when he and DeeDee bought their first house in Corona, in November 1977. Corona is where their three children were born: Elise, Erin, and Nicholas (Nick).

Phil worked in the trucking industry for 36 years, as a driver working for companies as well as an independent trucker, working for himself. He later worked at Swiss Dairy for 18 years, where he retired in 2013. His CB handle was, “The Riddler,” as he was known for telling numerous jokes.

Those who knew Phil knew he had a good heart as he was generous to many charities and causes, as well as a loyal friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Phil also remembered everyone’s birthday, yes Everyone’s! His capacity to memorize dates and events was remarkable.

Later in his 60s, Phil had a passion for hiking mountain trails and reached five peaks with his daughter Erin, and her friend Natalie. Phil made lifelong friends from his childhood, his Army buddies, in his workplaces, on softball teams, and he was an avid bowler. Phil bowled in six leagues last year and served as secretary of three leagues. Additionally, he bowled the USBC Open Nationals for 20 years. Phil and DeeDee both loved traveling to these events.

Phil loved fitness, consistently lifted weights, and exercised; he walked miles with his dogs daily. His love of animals and heart for dogs in shelters led him to adopt only rescue dogs. Over the years, Phil and DeeDee adopted seven dogs. He was known as the “Dogfather.”

He is deeply missed by their dogs, Blaze and Sparky. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: fosterarmy.org.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, DeeDee; his children: Elise and Kimo Jurado, Erin and George Novicky, and Nick McCollister and his girlfriend Niki. Phil’s greatest joy was his six grandchildren: Abigail, Zachary, Ryan, Keira, Oliver, and Alina; his younger brother Tom McCollister and Nelson McCollister (deceased). He is greatly missed.