Our dear friend Phil lost his battle with cancer.He passed yesterday evening at Brigham and Womens surrounded by his family and friends.Phils incredible courage,warmth,humility,humor and care for others was never even close to touched by the cancer and chemo that ultimately destroyed his body.He was and will always be the golden hearted pit bull of a man who's spirit and soul is far too powerful to be vanquished by mere death.The Suarez family are very aware and gratefull to the Boston rock community for the outpouring of compassion and support in recent weeks.Funeral and memorial service arrangements are currently being made and I will post them as soon as they are finalized.There will also be a memorial/benifit show at The Linwood on Saturday November 1st.This benifit was already in the works and the proceeds will now go to the family to try and help with the burnen of tremedous financial strain that has resulted from this long battle.I am so sorry to bring you all this news,but at least Phils' suffering is over and we can begin to take back our friend that this horrible disease has been holding hostage.Thanks,Jesse

I am sorry to hear that.
My condolences to all who knew and loved him.

He was a very good man and will be missed. I'm sorry.

I don't know what to say...because there's really nothing to say....The last time Phil called me, I wasn't home...by the time I called him back, he was already back in the hospital....It's funny how trivial all the things I was doing (that I was too busy to call back right away) seem now....

Phil, I'll miss you....but I know that you know that...and I hope there are much better things for all of us to do in the after-life than read the noise board

like others, i don't know what to say except that phil was a really great guy. this news sucks, but at least his suffering is over.

thanks for keeping us up to date on him.

I didn't know Phil personally, but my sincere condolences to the Suarez family, the Kenmores and to all of Phil's extended family and friends on this day, and know that he is at peace.

so sorry to hear the news.

godspeed, phil.

Someone as vital as Phil was… on working out " yeah, gotta stay in shape for the young chicks, know what I mean" and as positive … message" Chriscahhhhhh…. Felony Phil heah… got some good tings in the works… gimmie a ring" and as forgiving… "don't fuckin' worry about it man" after I fell backwards into his guitar rig during a set at O'Briens and shoved one of the speaker jacks into his pristine Marshall head…. the concept that he is gone is unfathomable to me… Pete D. couldn't have said it better… I don't know what to say....

p.s.... check out To Hell You Ride's track on SOC II.... it's one of the best.

Phil was one of the sweetest men I've ever met. I know this is selfish, but I couldn't visit him when he was sick. It was just too soon after dealing with my father's own losing battle with cancer. At least his suffering has ended. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Say hey to my Dad, will ya Phil?

My thoughts and prayers go out to Phil and his family and all those who knew him and were close to him. I knew Phil through my last 3 or 4 years of playing out in Boston. I played alot of my early shows while he was playing with The Styphliods. We had some goodtimes together; whether it was at Gino's in Portlland, Obrien's in Allsoton or The Safari in Providence. I won't forget his outgoing personality, his huge guitar riffs and of course those black vinyl pants he used to wear. See, he's still putting a smile on my face. I'll miss you bud, I hope you remembered to take your Les Paul with you, we'll be jamming again someday...

Phil, man, i'll miss you very much.
We all will.

To look at this board and see all the responses and threads about him, it's a true testament to how great a guy he was.

This disease is a bastard, and he fought it harder than i even thought he would....and that was amazing.

Best to his family and friends.

...i'll still save your seat at the 'Drop, man.

Much love and respect. - d.

Phil was a good friend, and never failed to let his friends know how much they meant to him. Phil had a spirit that couldn't be broken, even through all the shit he was dealt in the last 9 months or so. He always had a positive attitude through this, and didnt want to burden his friends with his shit. He always cared more about us, and how we were doing. Phil taught me so much about frindship, humility, courage and grace. The loss of phil will leave a big hole in my life, and as I'm sure you'll all agree, in the Boston scene. I was fortunate enough to say goodbye to him, and to tell him that I love him and that we all love him. All of you keep Phil in your hearts and tell your friends and family that you love them. Phil would.

And I suspect that nothing would make Phil happier than all of us at a rock show remembering him. He'd only wish that he could be there with us, but he will be...

This is terrible news for the Boston rock community; Phil will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him here (and I'm sure in his life outside of our community).

The best service we can all do for Phil is to carry on the music and good times that he enjoyed so whole-heartedly and to continue to reach out to his family at this difficult time.

For those of you who've done so, continue praying/sending thoughts of strength/stopping to think on him/his family for a moment -- those he's left behind need it now as much as they ever have.

Jesse, thank you for letting us know. Please keep us informed about the services.

BobK and Nicole

Phil made more of an impact on me in the short time I knew him than he would ever had imagined. I met him while he was in The Kenmores, shortly after he found out he had cancer and his positive attitude not only blew me away but deeply inspired me. I feel lucky and blessed that I can say that in a small way and for a short time, I got to experience that warmth that he just naturally gave out - even to people he hardly knew.

When things seem rough, I'll always think about Phil and how with all he was suffering through he kept up the fight, the good attitude, and the pure unselfishness of just thinking of others even when he was going through this horrifying ordeal.

My heart and prayers go out to Phil's family and to his near and dear friends who stood by him to the very end.

Thank you, Phil, and God bless....You will truly be missed...

Peace...

- Debbie C.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Phil's family. I had the pleasure of meeting Phil about 9 months ago, and the honor of sharing a stage with him twice. Crank up that Les Paul bro, and rock the heavens!

Jimmy/ the real kids

Hi Jesse.
My name is Dottie...I am Phillips cousin.
I didn't realize you had posted the info about Phil.
Thank you for all the great things you said about him.
It's friends like you that will make it a little easier for my Aunt Joan and Uncle Manny to get through the heartache that lies ahead of them.

Take good care of yourself.


Dottie

I had the pleasure of enjoying some beers with Phil when I would meet up with MojoNine at the Last Drop on Mass. Ave. It was unfortunately few and far between over the last few years, but I was greeted by Phil with a big hug every time .
I'll always remember what a nice guy he was, fun to talk to (inevitably, talk would turn toward the Bruins and the Pats and how good or bad they were )

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Phil's friends and family.

God bless you, Phil.....

I am so grateful that I was able to see Phil and share one more moment with him. I loved him very much, and I will miss him beyond words. There's a blessed and hallowed place in my heart--in all of our hearts--where he will live on, eternally young, forever full of life and fire and passion and promise. We will see each other again, Phil, that I promise you. Yisa Hashem panav elaychah vay'yasem l'cha shalom: May God raise His countenance to you and bring you peace. -- Carolyn

This is truly sad,sorry to hear it.
I hope Phil & Paul O'Halloran are hanging with
Joey & Dee Dee right about now.

Phil-a true rock fan,and genuine good egg.
Am glad I got to know him a bit.

Sounds like he was one hell of a grand dude.

Wish I'd met him.

Peace to his spirit.

Just dug this out of my shoe box... one of the best pics I evah took... I'm so bummed...this really fucking sucks.

I remember playing Dominics Lounge with the Syphlloids when we first started out I don't think we could even drink legally yet But all those fellas showed us a unforgetable time..i'm glad we got to know Phil and the rest of the lads God Bless ya Phil. love The Pug Uglies...

Phil's obit in the Globe today,with pertinent info re:visiting hours,etc.

I was very impressed to see that next to his given name,Philip Suarez,it reads
in quotes "Phelony Phil Kenmore".
That's who he was,and is,glad to see it in print.

Here's a link to the Obit.:

From Boston.com

thanks for posting the obit info, guys.

Clearly, Phil's family is as cool and as classy as he was -- having his name appear both as Philip Suarez and Phelony Phil Kenmore. That's amazing.

There is no doubt that the Suarez family are very classy, cool people. They understand what music meant to Phil and how much the Kenmores meant to him. And what the Boston scene meant to Phil. Every thing that they have been doing concerning this has been preluded with, "Phil would want it this way". And they are right...

I know how much it warms all of the Suarez family's hearts to feel all of the support you all have shown. They do read these postings and it touches them to know how loved Phil was. As a friend of Phil's it touches me to see how loved he is...

Ive never been too happy to read an obit of any-one, but Phil's today made me smile through the tears. How f'in cool... I think thats exactly how Phil would want to be remembered.

My prayers go out to Phil's family and friends. With respect to the late Phil Kenmore, I was curious. Will the Kenmores continue as a band or go off to other projects? Or have they been broken up for a while?

I'll miss Phil. He was a great, great guy and a this is a tremendous loss.

Dear guest,The Kenmores decided to stop playing shows when the treatment that Phil was going through became to debilitating for him to continue playing last spring.He had played days after surgery and during chemo as well but it just got to a point that ,even for the mighty little bastard himself,he couldn't do it.We will absolutely play at his memorial/benifit/birthday show on Oct.1 at the Linwood.Anything beyond that....we're not even thinking about that right now.As far as other projects;Kennedy has an evil new band called Defrokt and I play drums for The Marvels..........ps Chris Cahs post made my cry last night...Thanks Chris....,it helped.

Many thanks for taking the time to reply, Jesse. Again, my heartfelt condolences to you all.

Hey! Wait a minute! He owes me a beer!

Oh well. I will have one for him.

Hey Jesse, Is the show on October 1st or the 3rd? You've posted one date here and the other under the memorial thread...just want to help avoid confusion...

I've been reading these posts for the last two days, but haven't been able to write. It feels like so many more years ago than 3 or 4 that we met when Phil was playing with the Syphlloids. I keep trying to write something that means something and I'm going in circles. I'll miss him - his enthusiasm, hugs, encouragement and his faith - I wish I could have thanked him. But at least he left music, and that will live on. Rock on Phil.

Sorry Pete I meant Friday October 3rd.......I'll call you tonight about stuff.

I am very saddened to hear this news. My condolences go out to all of his family, friends, bandmates, etc...

Last time I started reading this thread I couldn't even get through it. This is such a loss. I just want to wish all of you who had the pleasure of knowing Phil the best, and to say that I am very very sorry for your loss.

Phil will be sadly missed by everyone that came in contact with him. I for one will never forget how wonderful he was. Even though he was sick he never bitched about it and was very strong through his whole ordeal. Cancer is a terrible disease and takes the lives of the ones we love. Someday I hope we can kick cancers ass and won't have to lose anyone else.
Missing and remembering Phil always, Steph

I, like many people, have been reading everyone's comments and have been at a loss for words. Having met Phil only a couple of years ago, he quickly touched me and became one of my favorite people, but only after having passed his "punk rock test" where he played a bunch of tunes and I had to name them, did I become "a f*ckin cool rock chick" in his book It's been very hard for Matt (Sullivan..very good friend of Phil's and played with him in the Syphlloids), and we've been doing alot of 'funny Felony stories'. After the wake tonight, me, Matt, Bug and some friends went out for pizza and beer and shared stories, and drank Labatt's. All I can say is that not only am I saddened by this, but I regret not knowing much much more of him. He's in our thoughts every minute and is missed. Thanx, Nikki and Matt

I only me him once when we played a show together,nice guy,Sorry to hear this news...

Hi all:

i just wanted to send a quick shout to Jesse for all he has done both on the board here and during the services. Thanks man, those were some great words you wrote that were posted at the wake and subsequently read at the service this morning.

It meant a lot to me as a friend, i can only imagine how much the family must have appreciated it.

Regards, - d.

I, too, want to thank Jesse and the young lady who spoke those kind and beautiful words at church today.

Phil is my godson and nephew and I will miss him so much.

Also, thank you all for your heart warming testimonials in this thread. They are so uplifting. And please keep us posted on the time and place of the upcoming memorial/benefit/birthday party

Warmest regards,
Auntie Jan

I want to thank Phil's family for being so warm and gracious and kind. They opened their arms and their hearts to all his friends, many (like me) they'd never even met before. It's easy to see in them so much of what we all loved about Phil.

Dear Phil, 9\1\03

I lost a good friend today
Who was unique
In every way
The Mayor of Boston
As some would say
Wherever you went
They'd come over
Just to say hey

Tearing it up
Larger than life
Amazing on stage
But to you
It was like
Just turning the page

Coming from all over
From all walks of life
Playing both sides
On the edge of the knife
They came to see you play
Punking Night after night
Cars Day after day

Your presence was felt
Across the floor
From the back
Through the front door
You connected with many
And to so many Much More

I miss you already
I’m crying so hard
Its hard to write
Because I just lost my best friend tonight

But I’m glad your O.K.
I just wish
That I had one more day

But I’ll see you again
My dear ole friend
We'll meet again
We’ll have drinks and a smoke
And hang
In the North End

For a guy with small feet,
You left some big shoes to fill
I’ll Never Forget You
My Big Brother Phil

So Cherish each moment
Each day with your friends
Don’t know were life leads you
Don’t know how it ends
Live life to the fullest
Each day with your friends
Because you don't know
When they'll be taken away
Be thankful for each day

Phelony Phil Kenmore

Electrifying riffs
Ripping it up on stage
A wild animal filled with rage
Pacing back and forth
Trapped in a cage

The energy bunny
With a lift in his step
Nicest guy that I ever met

That smile on his face and Cigarete at his lip
Guitar flayling away
As if part of his hip

Bloody Mary his newest fling
Hanging low in her sling
Chistine is his favorite Hammer
Thought he was Scarface
Spent time in the slammer
He loved the Beer’s
But Big House Red wine
His choice of drink
Kind of Ironic
Makes you think

Yes indeed
He liked to smoke weed
But give his last dollar
To help some one in need
Always ready to help someone up
Drop you some change in your little cup

Not many like you
Not enough to go around
But there goes your son
And he's schmoozzing the crowd
Your Little Hatchling has hatched
I know you are proud

It was a privilige and a pleasure to know you
The short time we had
An honor to be related
Your Bro-In-Law. Brad
Thank You! for 20 years
Gonna miss you always

So at 6:30 wherever you are
Have a drink with phil at some local bar
And tell him you miss him wailing on that guitar

Here's to
"Phelony Phil Kenmore"
1966 - 2003

An Honorable Crazyman
With Nothing to Fear
No time to worry
No time to think
One thing for sure
That boy could drink
Don’t give up
Right to the end
He passed on
With 13 of his friends

Phil's funeral was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. After we loaded the casket, onto the hearse, I said a few whispered words to Phil. I didn't say goodbye though. Although the hearse drove up the street, and out of sight, it didn't take him with it. He was right there, with all of us, in front of the church. There were tears, there was laughter, and a lot of that unspoken communication that goes on amongst family and friends. We were celebrating Phil's Life. This celebration continues, and those of us in the music community will be doing so every time we take the stage. Defrockt will be playing at a benefit for The Jimmy Fund & Dana Farber Institute this coming Friday. The charity is Phil's choice for donations in his name. I am proud to be a part of it.
There are pictures, of the Kenmores, on the wall next to my computer desk. Last week my girlfriend, Julie, called me at work. My five and a half month old daughter, Sydney, was looking up at a picture of Phil and me on stage together. She was smiling. If you knew my daughter you'd understand why that was so special. Even though Sydney had never actually been in Phil's presence she was surely touched by him.
There is another wall, in my apartment, which contains pictures of punk rock heroes who have passed on. I've just added a picture of Phelony Phil. I put him up there next to Dee Dee and Stiv.....right where he belongs.

Phil,
You've just done one helluva gig playah! Time to rest now.

Much love from Mark, Julie, and Syd

I want to point that Phil is rockin' a tire guage in his left front pocket in the above photo.That boy is 100%Kenmore.

Post content deleted at request of author.

This is one of the saddest losses for those of us lucky enough to have known Phil. Athough I wasn't as close with Phil as many here are, I knew him enough to look forward to our conversations whenever we saw each other out.

I'm aware this may sound silly to some, but I always figure that the big guy takes the best away from us for a reason. One of my personal beliefs is that losing people like Phil serves as a reminder of how much love and respect we ought to be showing each other (the living) as long as we walk this earth.

Perhaps some of the guests on this board might want to mull this one over.

Rest in peace Phil. Your absence in the Boston music community will be missed.

Peace and love to the Suarez family.

Carmelita