Phil Nisco 

February Spotlight

A Man with a Servant’s Heart

Phil Nisco was a member of the City of Fountain Valley’s Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities for more than 20 years.  He passed away on September 12, 2025 at the age of 89. Our committee wanted to take a moment to share the positive impact he made on our community, especially for our residents with disabilities.

During Phil’s 20 years of service, he held every elected position for the Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities. He was committed to our mission in promoting inclusive recreation, increasing awareness of the employment potential of persons with disabilities, and supporting the needs of our disabled population through education and advocacy. Phil also was instrumental in promoting the Business Awards Program, which honors businesses and individuals who provide outstanding support and service to persons with disabilities. Over the years Phil worked on insuring sidewalks were barrier free of overgrown shrubs and bushes to assist residents with vision impairment; he worked with our committee to request curb ramps and audible pedestrian signals (“talking sidewalks”); he volunteered at our dances for adults with disabilities; and he was on our committee when our city hosted athletes from the Netherlands at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, as well as when Fountain Valley’s inclusive playground was completed.

Phil was also active in many other philanthropic efforts in our community, including volunteering at Holy Spirit Church in Fountain Valley where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He also participated in the Knights of Columbus, and established the Nisco Family Charitable Giving fund. Through this foundation, Phil’s family funded nursing school scholarships, supported orphanages in Mexico, and sponsored dozens of cleft palate surgeries. 

Phil was very proud of his family. He is survived by his wife Trudy and his children Matt, Terri, Linda, and Michael; sons-in-law Kevin and Bill; daughters-in-law Mary and Yen; and stepson Michael, as well as nine grandchildren (Philip, Kristina, Julie, Michelle, Patrick, Marie, Noelle, Mary Kate, and Anthony) and nine great-grandchildren.

Phil was more than just a committee member: he was a kind, compassionate human and a man of high character. He was a true steward of our committee’s values, ensuring that we served our residents with disabilities to the best of our ability.  

Thank you, Phil!  We are uplifted by your legacy of service and integrity. Rest in peace.