Services for Phillip Anthony Carnaggio, of Greenwood, will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2014, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.The Reverend Gregory Plata, OHM, will officiate. Visitation will be at the church, two hours immediately before the service, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Mr. Carnaggio, 88, died following a long illness, on Saturday, September 27, 2014, at Greenwood Leflore Hospital.

Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, April 2, 1926, he attended Greenwood High School, where he left one year early, at age 17, to join the US Navy, where he served from June, 1943 to January, 1946, and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. Upon returning to Greenwood, he completed his senior year and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1946.

Mr.Carnaggio began college at John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio. While there, he was encouraged by a priest and professor to transfer to Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana, which is exactly what he had already wanted to do, and did do. During his years at Notre Dame, he was active in Interhall Sports, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Varsity Track Team, where he lettered in pole vaulting for Notre Dame. He also received the award for Most Improved Player.

During college, he worked at a number of various jobs to help pay his college expenses. One, in particular, was that of working in construction to help build the tunnel under the Chicago River. He received his Ph.B. from Notre Dame University in Business/Commerce and Philosophy in 1952. He has remained an avid and loyal fan of Notre Dame football, and all Notre Dame sports, his entire life.

Following college graduation, he returned to Greenwood to begin work as a claims adjuster, for GMAC, for approximately two years. He opened Carnaggio Distributing Company, Inc. in 1955 and began his lifelong career in the beer and malt beverage wholesale business. He remained president and owner until his retirement in 1999. While in business, Mr Carnaggio served as President of the Mississippi Malt Beverage Association, and was a member from 1956 - 1998. While serving, he was awarded for his loyalty and dedication. He was a member of the Mississippi Economic Council State Chamber of Commerce, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and America First National Committee member. Throughout his life, he was active in politics and contributed to numerous conservative political causes.

He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood, Mississippi, where he has since attended daily masses, and remained a devout, lifelong member. He served his church in so many ways. He was a sponsor for RCIA members, Sunday School teacher, President of the Parish Council, commentator, lector, Extraordinary Minister, and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a frequent participant of many different study groups. For years, he worked tirelessly for the pro life cause and was a long time member of Pro Life Mississippi, and in 2008 received their highest honor, Pro Lifer of the Year award. He was also a member of the National Right to Life.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 52 years, and four daughters: Mary Jo McDowell (Joe) of Ridgeland; Julie Besselievre (Todd) of Greenwood; Patrice Carnaggio of Greenwood; and Jennifer Winter (Chris) of Greenwood. Also, five grandsons, who loved and knew him as 'Papa' and 'Pops': Phillip Sandifer of Jackson; Gregory Sandifer (Julia Morgan) of Jackson; Matthew Besselievre of Greenwood; Patrick Besselievre of Starkville; and Christopher Winter of Greenwood. Also surviving him are two sisters, Minnie Lucille Young and Margaret Reid (Hamp); two brothers, Joe Carnaggio (Judy) and James Carnaggio, and one sister-in-law, Patty Lee. His brother, Frank Paul Carnaggio, preceded him in death.

Pallbearers include, grandsons, Phillip Sandifer, Gregory Sandifer, and Patrick Besselievre. Also serving are Tim Kalich, McLeod Meek, and Mike Zito.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pro Life Mississippi, 114 Office Park Plaza, Suite B, Jackson, MS 39206 OR Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 511 W. Washington, Greenwood, Mississippi 38930.