Philip "Phil" Russell Fittante, 61, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. A devoted husband, father, and brother, Phil’s life was defined by an unwavering commitment to his family, a dedication to public service, and a lifetime spent looking toward the skies.

Born on May 27, 1965, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Phil was the son of the late Alfred and Maryann Fittante. His passion for aviation took shape early during his time at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in 1987.

Phil attended the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) and the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. He served as a T-38 Instructor Pilot, B-1B Evaluator Pilot, and Chief Developmental Test Pilot for the B-1B and B-2 bombers. Phil completed 20 years of active-duty service, retiring in 2007 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Phil went on to serve as a U.S. Navy civilian Flight Test Engineer and Test Pilot, shaping the future of the P-8A and MQ-4C Triton programs.

A lifelong learner, Phil earned three master's degrees in Aeronautical Science, Computer Science, as well as a master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Later in life, Phil used his wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation. He became an aviation professor in the Career Pilot program at Guilford Technical Community College and co-authored the 5th edition of the textbook Flight Theory and Aerodynamics. Phil was also a published novelist, authoring the thrillers Spirit Flight and God's Eye.

While his professional achievements were vast, Phil’s heart belonged entirely to his family. Alongside Jane, his beloved wife, Phil lived a vibrant life that took his family across the country—from Texas and California to Rhode Island, New Mexico, and New Jersey—before finally settling back home in Whitsett, North Carolina.

Phil was a man of immense warmth and enjoyed sharing his passion for travel and exploration. As the co-owner of a Piper Dakota airplane, he piloted countless cherished trips and adventures with those he loved. Deeply devoted to documenting every family milestone, gathering, and memory, he captured a lifetime of shared moments. But for Phil, true peace was found at home, surrounded by the love of his family, their dog Bandit, and their horses, Willow and Jagger.

Phil is survived by his deeply loving wife, Anna "Jane" (née Andrews) Fittante; his children, Michael Fittante (Gracie), and Marianna Fittante (Dylan Rouse) with his first grandchild expected this fall; his sister, Dana (née Fittante) Stockman (Shawn); and his brothers, David Fittante, and Steve Fittante (Terry). He also leaves behind a host of extended family, friends, colleagues, and former students.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Maryann (née Quattrocchi) Fittante, and his parents-in-law, Bill and Linda (née Phipps) Miller.

A traditional funeral service to celebrate Phil’s life will be held at Mount Hope Church in Whitsett, North Carolina, on July 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

The family will receive friends during a visitation period at the church beginning at 1:30 p.m. followed immediately by the funeral service. Phil will be laid to rest with military honors in the Mount Hope Church Cemetery.

The family will gratefully accept floral tributes, or contributions may be made in Phil’s memory to Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter at https://seabiscuitwildlifeshelter.org/ Pilots N Paws at https://www.pilotsnpaws.org/