This page is dedicated to friends, advocates, and warriors of the LGBTQ+ community who have left our earthly plane. I miss these folks often because they were personal friends who loved and supported me. We reciprocated. It’s not always easy to do in political circles. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew these folks and those who have lost someone dear to them. Always in our hearts and in loving memory. – Ricky
Sibby Phiambolis
Margaret “Sibby” S. Phiambolis, Esquire, 69, of Blue Bell, PA passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Sibby was born in Norristown, PA on October 4, 1954 to the late V. Gregory and Margaret (Liotta) Savaro. Along with her husband, Dr. Thomas Phiambolis, to whom she was married for a beautiful 48 years, she is survived by her three children: Gregory Phiambolis, Andrea Brockway (Michael), Alex Phiambolis (Jennifer); 6 grandchildren: Owen, Harry, Lucas, Evie, Sibby, and Nathan; her brother Joseph Savaro (Jeanette), sister in law Carol Phiambolis, brother in law Peter Phiambolis (Janice), sister in law Jane Meier (Stan), and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Francis “Frank” Savaro.
Sibby was a graduate of Archbishop Wood High School and attended Boston College where she graduated in 1976 magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy. The summer following her college graduation she and Tom married. She then went to Temple University School of Law and graduated cum laude in 1980 (with her first baby, Gregory, in tow) with a Juris Doctorate.
Sibby’s dedication to democratic principles and her passion for justice were evident through her general solo law practice of four decades, as well as her political and civic engagement on behalf of the Democratic Party in Montgomery County. She was a great lawyer with sound judgment and unwavering advocacy on behalf of her clients. Her legacy in the legal field will continue to inspire future generations with two of her children becoming lawyers, as well as with the “Margaret S. Phiambolis, Esq. Endowed Fund for Pre-Law Education” scholarship at Neumann University.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sibby was above all devoted to her family and delighted in every moment spent with her loved ones, especially her six grandchildren. Her warm smile, wisdom, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.
A voracious reader, Sibby found joy and solace in the written word, especially literature and philosophy. Her home was filled with books of all sorts that sparked lively conversations and inspired those around her. She was a complicated, deep thinker who always had something interesting to say. At the same time, you would often find her sitting in her favorite chair with the Sunday Funnies, since she liked laughing and wasn’t above acting silly when circumstances called for it.
Sibby’s love for horseback riding, swimming (especially at Mermaid Lake and in the ocean), and traveling showcased her adventurous spirit. While her favorite vacation spot was Stone Harbor, New Jersey, she also traveled to more distant locations, including to Sicily, to connect with her Italian roots. As a nature lover at heart, she enjoyed walking trails (ideally with her dog along for the trek) and supporting environmental causes. She embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity, always eager to explore new horizons. In all these adventures, her faithful copilot was her husband Tom, whom she loved dearly.
Sibby’s life was a tapestry of diverse interests and passions, from advocating for democracy to enjoying the simple pleasures of family gatherings. Her mighty spirit, vibrant personality, and generous heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her. In every role she played, whether as a wife, parent, grandparent, lawyer, neighbor or friend, Sibby brought compassion and a steadfast commitment to her values. Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Frank & Denise Burstein
“My dear Frank and Denise, how we all miss you both. Not many people knew this, but Frank and I talked often on the phone, and he “taught me some of the ropes” and how processes work in our local Democratic party. He was a mentor and I often went to him for advice. We respected each other. He always attended events for the business council and for Ricky’s Pride, and I was at their home often. Denise, Frank, and I shared a love of the Philadelphia String Bands.”
Frank Burstein peacefully passed away at 5 am at Abington Memorial Hospital on September 18, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Denise (nee Raidman) who passed away on May 13, 2021. Devoted father and mother of Martin Burstein and Marshall Burstein (Annie).
View Frank’s Obituary Here | View Denise’s Obituary Here
JOHN LYON
“John was a tremendous help with getting the committee off the ground as treasurer. He was always available to help out at LGBT events. He could always be counted on. Our friendship was short lived and I wish I had a chance to get to know him better. We continue our work in his memory.”
John D. Lyon, 83, of Lansdale, died Wednesday, December 9, 2020. He was the husband of the late Shirley (Rupp) Reinhart, who died in 2008. Born February 27, 1937 in Williamsport, IN, he was a son of the late John and Annette (Dinsmore) Lyon. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale. John was an avid volunteer. John enjoyed music and travel, but his greatest love was for his grandchildren, with whom he spent as much time as he could.
Carolyn Murphy
“I remember the first time I met Carolyn. It was my second year with the North Penn Democrats and I attended their annual dinner. Carolyn was an award recipient. I didn’t know her from Adam. They announced her award and she got up and spoke and I was like, “Wow, who is this woman?” Later, I was asked to help with Carolyn’s run with her North Penn School Board campaign, and we became friends. She hired me to cater her “Farewell” Octoberfest . The thing I remember most about Carolyn was her spunk. She would grit her teeth when she got frustrated with Republican opposition and I would often smiled and laughed to myself. Every once in awhile I get the same anger and I’ll grit my teeth like she did and think of her. She was kind and warm spirited. She remains forever in many of our hearts.”
Carolyn Frances Murphy, 71, of Towamencin, passed away on December 10, 2016, at Lansdale Hospital. Carolyn lost her husband, Paul in 2013, who she missed terribly, and is survived by their only child, Michael. He lives in Oakton, Virginia, with his wife Lissa and three sons, Owen, Luke, and Peter, whom she adored and always referred to as “her boys.”
