Philip Arthur Boese

Philip Arthur Boese, 73, beloved husband, father and grandfather, son and brother, teacher, and man of faith, passed away suddenly but peacefully on October 18, 2026, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Born in Whittier, California, in 1953, Philip grew up in Southern California. He graduated as Co-Valedictorian from Edison High School in Huntington Beach in 1971. Philip went on to attend Vanderbilt University, graduating Cum Laude, and later spent three years in medical school at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Ultimately, Philip realized his passion lay in education, and he chose to become a high school science teacher. He dedicated many years of his career at Brawley Union High School in Brawley, California, where he taught Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from the fall of 1990 through 2003. Deeply invested in the success of his students, Philip also devoted his time to extracurricular programs, including serving as a coach and mentor for BUHS’s Academic Decathlon team.

In 1981, while both were working at a hospital in Long Beach, California, Philip met the love of his life, Suzanne Casas. They were married in September 1983, beginning a 43-year journey of love and partnership. Through it all, they were truly inseparable. Over the years, they raised three children, welcomed four beloved grandchildren, and built a family that was the center of Philip's life. Fifteen years ago, that journey brought Philip and Suzanne to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they put down roots and continued creating memories with the family they cherished.

Education and knowledge were Philip’s passions. He possessed a deep love of reading, a gift he passed down to his children. His daughter, Jennifer, holds countless fond memories of her father reading to her, a tradition Philip kept alive by creating those same memories with his grandchildren. Philip was also a lifelong golfer and avid sports enthusiast, passing those passions to his son, David. Whether playing golf or cheering on his favorite teams—the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams—sports brought Philip immeasurable joy.

In his later years, Philip’s Catholic faith became increasingly central to his life. After moving to Albuquerque, he became an active parishioner at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, where he shared his faith by teaching catechism and GED classes to adult learners, and proudly served his community as a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Whether teaching in a classroom or through his parish, Philip found joy and purpose in helping others learn, grow, and succeed.

Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne; his children, Paul (and husband Mark) of Santa Ana, California, Jennifer (and husband Andrew), and David (and wife Karissa), both of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his cherished grandchildren, Jeremiah, Adelina, Caleb, and Mia; his mother, Margaret England, and sister, Carol Kilfoil (and husband Dennis), both of Salem, Oregon; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He leaves a permanent hole in the hearts of all who knew him, but he will be remembered for the love he showed his family, the faith that guided him, and the countless students and others whose lives he touched through his generosity and passion for teaching.

Funeral services for Philip will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Rosary, viewing, and Funeral Mass will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Interment will immediately follow at Sandia Memory Gardens, 9500 San Pedro Dr. NE. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Philip's life.