Phillip Ward Sarver, 56, would want to start with encouragement… Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Phil’s lifelong desire was to follow God’s plan for his life. Phil was a chemistry and science teacher, a soccer coach, assistant athletic director and bus driver for North East High School for 34 years. When asked why he became a teacher, he said it was God’s plan for him and North East was where he was meant to be!

Phil loved everyone and was one of the most positive, encouraging, God loving, interesting, educated, caring and generous individual that anyone could know.

Phil, aka Sarv, leaves behind his sister Leah Hampton; her husband Wayne; and three nieces and a nephew, Kayla, Cole, Bella and Ronnie, who he lovingly and teasingly referred to as the “Army of Darkness.”

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Dr. Harold Phillip Sarver Jr., and Kathleen Keane Sarver of Hampton Township, Pa.

Many may be left wondering wat happened to this healthy, strong, seemly young man. Last summer, we noticed some unusual swelling in Phil’s legs and abdomen and encouraged him to see his doctor. From there, Phil underwent a battery of blood tests, biopsies, imagery and cardiac testing. The doctors had no answer except that an autoimmune response had activated a gene that attacked his liver. There was no clear treatment and after turning to the Cleveland Clinic for answers, the only one was to do a liver transplant. However, that would only be a temporary solution. Unfortunately, Phil’s body was unable to maintain the health to sustain him and he has now gone to be in Heaven.

A verse that gives some comfort during this difficult time is Ecclesiastes 7:1 “A good name is better than a fine perfume and the day of death is better than the day of birth.”

Phil’s passing has left many of us heartbroken. But he would want you to rejoice in his memory and know that he is in a place with no more sickness and pain. A place where those believe and live for God will have an eternal life.

Please remember the lessons, encouragement, love and enjoyable moments from Phil and carry them forward to those you encounter.

Link to Obituary