Philip C. Desch, 88, passed away on February 28, 2026 in Tucson, AZ. Born on December 16, 1937, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Phil was the son of Paul Desch and Helen Ackerman. He graduated from Lehigh University in 1959 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Society.
Phil began his professional career as a production engineer with Bethlehem Steel in Sparrows Point, Maryland. He later worked as a stockbroker with Alex Brown & Sons in Baltimore. He met Susan LeBlond in Baltimore on July 4th, 1961 and they were married that September.
In 1972, Phil and Susan moved their family of five to a farm in Nashville, Indiana. Phil transformed the barn into the family home, building the next chapter of his life with his own hands. During their years there, they raised registered Polled Hereford cattle, and also became collectors of early Brown County art and works by artists of the Hoosier Group. Eventually Phil and Susan entered the art world professionally, opening Oak Grove Gallery in Nashville.
He and Susan shared a love of travel, especially to Europe, where they enjoyed exploring art galleries and discovering local restaurants. Traveling was his passion and many of his happiest times were spent in Paris, London, Italy, Amsterdam, Alaska and San Diego, among other places.
Over the course of his remarkable life, he called Allentown; Baltimore, Maryland; Nashville, Indiana; Delray Beach, Florida; and Tucson, Arizona home.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Susan Desch; his children, Philip Desch Jr., Lisa Gamber (Gene), and Jenny Wolfe (Brad); his grandchildren, Jake Desch (Olivia), Noah Desch, Abby Decipeda (Jono), Hayley Vander Pas (Matt), Tyson Wolfe (Rachel), and his great-grandchild, Jack.
Phil will be remembered for his quick wit, humor and keen intellect. His life was a testament to always trying something new, no matter the season of life.
Donations in memory of Phil can be directed to any community food bank.
This obituary was taken in part from The Brown County Democrat, published Marcch 9, 2026