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Philip Todaro, D.O., 86, of Bainbridge, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023.

The graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Oak City Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Webb officiating. Keith Newberry, Steve Poitevint, Clayton Penhallegon, Dr. Charles Walker, Dr. Sydney Cochran, Dr. Aric Aldridge, Dr. Bert Parker and Dr. John Reynolds will serve as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, 1250 Cox Avenue, Bainbridge, GA 39819.

Philip Todaro was born January 8, 1937, in Sicily, Italy, the son of Calogero & Antonietta Todaro. Phil immigrated to America in 1959, leaving behind sunny Sicily and experiencing snow for the first time in Detroit. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Wayne State University and his doctorate from University of Missouri-Kansas City. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Lynda Wight, and in 1973 Phil & Lynda left Dayton, OH and made Bainbridge their home. Phil was Catholic by faith. 

Serving others in one capacity or another was a way of life for Phil. He loved people and projects. He spent 47 years (retired in 2019) as a family physician with many of his patients becoming friends. Phil actively supported Decatur County Historical & Genealogical Society, Bainbridge Little Theatre, Arts Council, Memorial Hospital & Manor, Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, and Bainbridge Athletics. He remembered his “sunny Sicily” by spending time outdoors, especially if it involved water or gardening. He enjoyed feeding birds and noting their quirkiness. Delicious food, fine wine, and his fig stuffed cookies at Christmas seemed to find their way into the details of many conversations over the years. Phil’s accent, antics, laughter, and stories were unforgettable. While in Italy, he was an extra for the opera, and though he never had a speaking or singing part, he was on stage leaving his mark. Phil truly believed “laughter is the best medicine” and will be fondly remembered for his famous greeting, “Ciao, y’all!”

Survivors include his “American wife” of 58 years, Lynda Wight Todaro; his “adopted children”, Sammy, Ginger, Mark & Jackie, and Ceciley; and his brother, Piero Todaro of Augusta, GA. Phil was preceded in death by his parents.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)