Philip Coffey

Philip “Phil” Coffey, 68, passed away peacefully at his Chicago home on August 28, 2025.

Phil will be remembered most of all for his passion. He built OMI Industries from a home office in an unfinished basement into a worldwide leader in odor control, and he was regularly seen spraying its consumer product, Fresh Wave, in his eyes to demonstrate its safety. 

He found joy in life’s rituals, like a smoke break on the porch, a Diet Coke at any hour of the day and the same Shania Twain CD playing on repeat during family road trips to Hilton Head. He will be remembered for the iconic moustache he had for most of his adult life, as well as his meticulous penmanship and trademark phrases, such as “Ride the wave,” “One for the ditch” and “It’s good to be PC!”

He had a gift for connecting with people, whether playing softball in Chicago alongside friends from Beverly, college and everywhere in-between, striking up conversations at his favorite local establishments or meeting others on golf courses and beyond while traveling. He could make a friend out of anyone, and he often did.

A big sports fan who cheered for the Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame football and most passionately for anything his kids played, Phil made a tradition of taking his boys to NCAA Tournament sites and was at one time the commissioner of an NFL football pool. History and his Irish heritage also held special places in Phil’s heart. Early this summer, he was able to take one last meaningful trip to Ireland.

Phil’s generosity was legendary. He was especially committed to Horizons for Youth, which provides educational opportunities for young people in Chicago. His favorite days of the year included two Horizons for Youth events that his company sponsored and organized: a Target dorm room shopping spree for first-generation college students and the annual Notre Dame football gameday experience for Horizons students and their mentors.

Phil leaves behind his children, Liz (Dan), John and Tim (Erin) Coffey, and their mother, Lori, along with three grandchildren, Kennedy, Harper and a grandson arriving shortly. He is also survived by his siblings Kevin, Judy (Jack) and Barry (Mary Beth) and his sister-in-law Alice. He joins his parents, John and Billie Coffey, his brother Tom and sister-in-law Renee.

Visitation will be held on September 19 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am, all at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St., Chicago, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Philip’s memory to Horizons for Youth https://horizons-for-youth.org/

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL