Peter Weist Pharis

After 84 remarkable years, Peter Weist Pharis completed his final chapter on earth, leaving behind a legacy as bold, loyal, and unforgettable as the life he lived. He passed away peacefully, at home, on December 5th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Pete leaves behind a family who adored him, a community of colleagues and players who were shaped by him, and the legacy of strength, laughter, and love that will echo for generations. He will be constantly remembered by his loving wife of 57 years, Karen (Seiler); children, Chris (Lisa DiSalle) Pharis, Paige (Bubba) Lichtenberg; grandchildren, Carsen, Camden, Conner, Braydon, Blake; sibling Juli (Mike) Judge; nephew Todd (Chris) Judge; and numerous other family members, colleagues, Coaches, former players, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Burt and Lois (Jared) Pharis; and nephew, Jason Judge.

Pete’s story began on July 25th, 1941, in Newark, Ohio. Fearless and unapologetically himself, he moved through life with a grit that inspired everyone who knew him – and a humor that made the journey lighter for all.

After graduating from Newark High School, Pete attended Muskingum College, where he played football, and was an active member of the MACE Club. Pete then made a bold move to begin his career working for Owens-Corning in the Toledo area. While working, he achieved 2 master's degrees from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Toledo.

Pete’s outgoing personality, wit, and ‘nice arms’ caught the eye of Karen (Seiler) during a double date at Dale’s Bar & Grill in Maumee, Ohio. After a short courtship, he married Karen on April 15, 1967, and they eventually settled down in the Sylvania area.

As a loyal and devoted husband and father, Pete built up his career and life around the people he loved most. After several years of being on the road with Owens-Illinois, he started a new chapter, entering the brokerage field so he could be home with Karen and his children more. He was a passionate, fair, and trustworthy financial advisor. He served clients in his community, around the country, and with a special registration in the NFL Players Association. He was so proud when his son, Chris, partnered with him at Shearson Lehmann Brothers. The father and son partnership carried on to Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch. Pete loved working with his son and clients so much; he didn’t retire until age 78.

Volunteering was important throughout his life. For years, he taught evening financial courses. He also united with business professionals at the Sylvania Rotary Club to serve the local community. He was a recipient of The President’s Volunteer Service Award on several occasions. He also helped organize and coach several football and athletic camps in the area including Jeremy Lincoln Football Camp, the Brandon Fields Football and Cheer Camp, as well as numerous high school football and baseball camps.

When his son Chris enrolled at St. John’s Jesuit High School, Pete started volunteering in several ways at the school. Helping here and there with the baseball and football teams catapulted into coaching positions with both in no time. In addition, Pete added hockey so he could help Coach his son, Chris.

St. John’s Jesuit became his second home over the next 30 years. Over the decades he shaped countless young athletes on and off the field– pushing them with his ‘old-school’ methods, sharpening them with his honesty, and wit. He tutored students before and after practice. He also loved connecting high school players with college coaches by making countless phone calls and taking them on numerous recruiting visits.

Among the athletes he influenced, none meant more to him than his grandsons. He assisted in coaching them in baseball little league, flag football and tackle football as they grew. He retired from the field, after coaching his grandsons in football at St. John’s.

Regardless of the generations he coached, all still reminisce and reenact his ‘spirited’ and unforgettable locker room talks. Many celebrate the wins but even more remember the lessons: always be positive, don’t make excuses, respect your teammates, and leave everything you’ve got on the field.

His story and legacy will continue to live on in all who touched him. May his memory continue to Coach, guide, and inspire us – just as he always did. Be bold, loyal, and unforgettable.

Visitation will be held at The Walker Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 10th from 4-6pm. The Pharis/Lichtenberg family invites all who knew Pete to join us in prayer and open mic to share memories, stories, and ‘Pete-isms’ from 6-7pm.

A special thank you to Home Instead, VIP Therapy, and Hospice of NWOH.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. John’s Jesuit High School in memory of Coach Pete Pharis.