Philip William Milner was born on September 30, 2022. He died peacefully in his parents' arms on November 21. Diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome before birth, Philip’s seven weeks of life were filled with strength, love, and joy. Baptized on October 1 by Fr. Matthew Nwafor, Philip showed us how to live life one moment at a time with patience, grace, and gratitude. His father Frank, mother Catherine, and siblings, Thomas and Edith, rejoice knowing that Philip’s big, beautiful eyes are now looking into the ever-loving eyes of God the Father.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the entire medical team at Duke University's Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit who worked heroically to give Philip fifty-two days of life with his special heart. They would also like to thank their family, friends, the entire Area Raleigh Catholic Homeschool community, and everyone else, both near and far, who prayed for and supported them throughout Catherine’s pregnancy and during Philip’s hospital stay. They also could not have walked this road without their advocates at Be Not Afraid and the many heart-warrior families they met along the way. Although many did not meet Philip, we know that his strength in the face of adversity changed so many lives in his short time on earth.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, November 27 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, NC 27615. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 28 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 520 West Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Burial will be held the same day at 2:30 pm at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Be Not Afraid.

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28