Phillip L. "Jr" Melgosa

Phillip Luis “Jr” Melgosa, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully Monday, September 9, 2024 at Hope Creek Care Center, East Moline, Illinois.

Phillip was born January 25, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Maria D. (Orta) and Luis Solorio Melgosa. He served in the US Air Force from February 24, 1970 and was honorably discharged on January 27, 1974, serving during the Vietnam War. Phillip worked for the Illinois Department of Employment Security in Galesburg for 35 years, retiring in 2013.

Phillip married Angelina Alaniz in November 1974, they later divorced. Together they had three children. He is survived by two daughters, Anita (Arthur) Semington of Galesburg and Angelica (Willie) Mabon of Winter Garden, Florida; one son, Santino Melgosa of Bristow, Oklahoma; one grandson, Javae Mabon; and his significant other with whom he made his home, Nancy Anderson of Galesburg. Including his parents, Phillip preceded in death by one sister, Isabel Padilla; and his beloved dog, MJ.

He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed watching the Cubs. He was a former member of Harry Wiles American Legion Post #381, Abingdon, Illinois and the LULAC Club in Galesburg. Phillip played in a pool league at La Mesa Inn for 20+ years.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military rites will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.