Philip Paul Guba (63) passed away on Thursday March 7, 2024 at home in Palm City Florida surrounded by friends and family. Phil was born in Columbus, Ohio to Egon Guba and Elaine Thompson. Shortly after, he and his family moved to Bloomington, Indiana. Although he didn’t technically graduate from Bloomington High School South due to a national science fair competition, he managed to acquire multiple higher education degrees. He began at Indiana University studying Economics and Religion. Phil was later accepted into the IU School of Dentistry in 1982, and earned his D.D.S. degree, receiving the American Association of Endodontists award before graduating in 1986. At that time he was accepted into the IU Department of Endodontics Residency program, and earned his M.S.D. degree and certificate in Endodontics. Phil then maintained a private practice for several years in addition to serving as an assistant professor in the Endodontics Department working with residents during their clinical and research endeavors.

Phil retired from the practice of dentistry after a diagnosis of neuro-sarcoidosis prevented him from continuing as doctors predicted he only had a few years to live. Phil refused to lay low as one might expect after such a bleak diagnosis. After a triumphant battle with the disease, Phil needed to restrengthen his mind. And what better way to do that than pursue yet another degree. He was accepted into the IU School of Law, earning his J.D. degree and being admitted to the Indiana Bar in 2002. He casually pursued law, with concentrations in Health Care Law, Elder Law, and Government and Administrative Affairs Law but it was always more of a hobby than a career.

Phil’s primary and proudest job was serving as a Dad to his daughters Kelsey and Taylor, and consulted behind the scenes for wife, Dr. Caryn Guba at her Dental practice. He filled his free time by being of service to his community. Notably, he served as a volunteer at Second Helpings, a food rescue, hunger relief, and job training program in Indianapolis for many years.

Phil and Caryn fully retired to Florida in 2022, where they spent time enjoying gardening, going on long dog walks, and creating a diverse community of friends. Shortly after settling into a joyful and relaxing retirement with his wife, Phil was diagnosed with a stage 4 glioblastoma. Although his family was heartbroken, he insisted that he was grateful for the extra 30 years he was able to live after the sarcoidosis. Phil made it clear that his only concern came from knowing the impact this loss would have on his family. To him, this was simply the end of his soul’s current journey - one that he felt was complete. The last two months were spent in a state of acceptance and pure zen, proclaiming multiple times that he had reached his zenith of oneness and enlightenment with the universe; he had learned what he needed to learn, done what he needed to do, and he was at peace.

He was funny, insightful, accepting, supportive, and a role model willing to recognize and admit his own flaws. He impacted many people during this lifetime from serving as a second dad to many of his daughters’ friends, to chatting with strangers who would soon become life-long allies. The outpouring of love and grief proved that he was a unique individual who impacted many.

Survivors include his wife Caryn A. Guba; daughters and their partners Kelsey Shawn Guba (Nick) and Taylor-Paige Guba (Isaac); sisters Christianne Guba Cochran (Michael), and Susan Carol Guba; Mother-in-Law Elaine Blaugrund, sister-in-law Debi Randolph; nephews Sean Michael Cochran and Darin Blaugrund and nieces Lindsie and Courtnie Raldolph; and of course, his loving dogs Ziggy, Cali, and Phoebe who brought him so much joy.

Donations in Phil’s honor can go to the Florida ACLU, which fights to provide equal rights to all people and create a safer, more inclusive world. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.

¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa' dentro! - “To my friends, you are never above me, never below me, never away from me and always with me”

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