Philip "Pinky" Feiner

Surrounded by his loved ones after a sudden, brief illness, Philip (Pinky) Feiner passed away at Jefferson Hospital on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Born in Philadelphia on June 4, 1936 to Freda & Morris Feiner, he was predeceased by his older brothers Jerome and Eugene. 

 Philip is survived by his devoted friend Pelley Brown whose family became his family. Steve and Pelley Brown welcomed him into their home and lives for 50 years, with their grandchildren Avery & Matt, Zoe & Noah calling him Pop Pop Phil, and their children Jason (Alexa), Samantha (Derek) claiming Philip as their very own, involving him in every aspect of their lives. No day went by without a visit, text, or phone call to a member of the Brown/Johnston family. Philip was given his own special candle to light at the Johnston’s childrens’ Bat and Bar Mitzvahs!

 Philip is also survived by his loving nephews Dr. Larry Feiner (Andee) and children Hallie (Sam) Steinberg, Brett (John) Fox, Marti Feiner, Greg Feiner, and Adam (Sara) Feiner, Glen Feiner and son Noah, niece Sharon Feiner Fischer and daughter Julia, nephews Ivan Feiner (Marion) and children Danielle (Owen) Ricciardi, Karen Feiner, and Jennifer (JD) Groon, Kevin (Barbara) and children Abby Wanger and Jody (Doug) Morrow, Dr. Marc (Elise) Feiner and children Jeffrey, David (Courtney), Steven (JoAnna), Lauren (Alfredo) Asensio, as well as many great-great nieces and nephews. Philip relished the time he spent with the Feiner family and could always be counted on for great story telling and lots of fun. Uncle Pink enjoyed spanning the generations with all the Feiners, with whom he often got together for brunches, dinners, quick visits, and special occasions.

 Philip attended Olney High School and Penn State Ogontz Campus, before he enlisted in October, 1956, in the US Army, where he served as an ambulance driver for US Army Airborne Division. After his years in the service, early in his career, he worked at Morville’s, a well-known Philadelphia men’s clothing store, which heightened his interest in fashion. He eventually moved to NYC, having been introduced to Ralph Lauren by a Philadelphia friend. He became Polo’s first employee because of his knowledge of the menswear business, as well as his excellent eye for tailoring, fine fabrics, and style. In a book entitled Ralph Lauren The Man Behind The Mystique, Lauren said Phil Feiner “… was a good-looking salesman from Philadelphia who knew the menswear business. Feiner was a Damon Runyon character in Brooks Brothers clothing, a popular customer’s man…” He eventually moved on, having worked for Oleg Casini and other NY fashion houses before returning to his hometown, Philadelphia. 

 Once back in Philadelphia, he became involved in the night life of the city, managing Artemis, a famous after-hours club. He assisted David Carol, a well known Philadelphia entertainment figure, in establishing The Hot Club, a small but significant jazz club where musicians of all ilk gathered after performing in center city venues. Philip had a passion for Jazz and knew many well known local jazz musicians. He had a good eye for antiques and art, and collected works by Philadelphia artists, Murray Dessner, James Havard, Tom Palmore and others. In the early 1980’s he was persuaded to join his brother Gene’s steel company, Acme Manufacturing, where he remained for nearly 20 years, until the company was sold, after which he retired. 

 In his later years, he cultivated an interest in classical music and could frequently be seen attending Philadelphia Orchestra rehearsals and concerts with his closest friend, Pelley. He knew writers, entertainers, and producers, and enjoyed attending theater in NY and Philly. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, and long before the internet, he would carry a small portable TV with him wherever he went, so he wouldn’t have to miss a Phillies or Eagles game. He was devoted to the Phillies and could often be seen on the subway traveling to a day or night game. He was a runner for many years, and helped to train Pelley Brown for several half and full marathons. 

 Philip resided at the Society Hill Towers for 25 years, where he was everybody’s “best friend” and neighbor. Throughout the Towers community, he had the ability to make everyone smile, Towers’ employees, as well as residents. He could frequently be seen at Philadelphia’s best known restaurants, Parc, The Prime Rib, Estia, The Oyster House, and DeAngelo’s, dining with his brother Gene and friends, as well as at The Famous Deli, with the Browns for Sunday morning brunches. Philip had an adventurous spirit, loved travel both in the US and abroad, and enjoyed the many trips taken with his brother Gene and the Feiner family to Israel, Europe, and other fascinating places. He could go “high” or “low,” but wherever he went, he left his mark on the people he met because of his warmth, winning smile, great sense of style, graciousness, and zany sense of humor. He was a gentleman in demeanor and appearance. His collection of antique jewelry, scarves, impeccably tailored suits, and many colored sweaters was legendary. He would shop at Boyd’s and other bespoke clothing shops in Philadelphia, NY and Washington, but he always added a bit of his own fashion flourish to anything he wore, making him the envy of every fashionista in Philadelphia.

 Philip cherished his long-standing friendships, which were formed during his formative years in Philadelphia. He spent many hours with Gary Friedman, a dear friend and owner of The Board Room, a well known establishment catering to attorneys and politicians. He relished the relationships he formed with a group of center city friends (Jerry, Eddie, Aaron, Stanley to name a few), with whom he kept in contact for over 70 years. Philip’s life may have ended on October 2nd, but he left the warmth of his love with a great many people because he had the unique ability to spread joy to all who knew him.

 A memorial service will be held at Society Hill Synagogue at 418 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, at 2:30 PM Sunday, October 27th. Shiva will be held at the Synagogue from 5:30 to 7:00 PM that evening. A Celebration of Philip Feiner’s Life will be held at a later date. 

 Contributions may be made to Jefferson for The Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience with a memo noting “in memory of Philip Feiner.” Please mail your contribution to: Jefferson, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1101 Market Street, 22nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or donate online at Jefferson.edu/TributeGifts and specify Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience with a memo noting “in memory of Philip Feiner.”

 Famous Feiner Quotes: 

 Don’t mourn for me, but if you do, be sure to dress properly!

 It’s not how you feel; it’s how you look!

 Spend more than you got, and don’t worry about it!

Lastly, but far from least: This Ain’t No Dress Rehearsal!