Philip Penketh, Ph.D
April 26, 1958 ~ May 31, 2025
Born in:
Lancashire, England
Resided in:
Hamden, Connecticut
Philip Penketh, Ph.D
April 26, 1958 – May 31, 2025
Born in: Lancashire, England
Resided in: Hamden, CT
Philip (“Phil,” as he preferred to be called) died unexpectedly on May 31st, 2025. He was the beloved partner and husband to Janet for 45 years, and a loving father to their son, David. He was the big brother to Susan and John, and the uncle to Emma-Rose and Alex, who taught them how to spot critters on nature walks and inspired them to build a pond in their garden.
Phil was a scientist at Yale Pharmacology department for over 30 years, doing research on anti-cancer drug design. But more than that, being a scientist was an integral part of who he was – a remarkable man who never stopped being passionate about learning and curious about the world around him. He was a loyal and generous friend to many.
Phil wanted to make the world a better place: one person, one thought, one action at a time, all without asking anything in return. For his family and friends, our lives were the richer for knowing and loving him. He will be sorely missed.
Friends are invited to share a time of remembrance with Phil’s family from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. For those unable to attend in person, a recording of the remembrances is available here: Philip Penketh Memorial.
To send a condolence, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.
Services
Celebration of Life: June 6, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Diane &Bill
Winnie and Shyam
Phil. A gentle genius.
Phil lived and thought freely and with great joy, and he made us freer and happier in his presence. We will miss him in every season.
We met at 16 when doing our A-levels for University entry, and spent many lunchtimes together weight-training in the school gym. During the holidays we trained at the local YMCA barbell gym, and also in his garden with an old set of barbells whilst taking an interest in the goldfishes and leeches in his pond. At university, this passion switched to power-lifting, and we both encouraged each other into competitive power-lifting and gaining awards. Later, I was his best man at his wedding to Janet (and he was my best man), and we always kept in touch. I will miss him.
John and Conni
My very deepest condolences
Phil was a brilliant scientist and cherished colleague, whose passion for discovery left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. In my 40-year career, he stood out as one of the most passionate scientists I ever met. His boundless curiosity inspired everyone around him. As a postdoctoral fellow, he was a generous mentor early in my days as a graduate student. His guidance and encouragement were instrumental in shaping my own path in science.
Phil will be remembered not only for his remarkable contributions to the fields of infectious diseases and cancer, but also for his kindness, humility, and ability to inspire those around him.