Christopher Richard Philhower, 40 of Hazlet passed away peacefully on Friday, August 6.

He was born in 1980 to his loving parents Carol and Richard Philhower in Belleville, New Jersey.

Christopher was raised in Kearny and moved to Hazlet in 1988, where he graduated from Raritan High School. He was employed by the Home Depot for 20 years, worked his way up to supervisor and traveled throughout the state of New Jersey as part of his career.

Christopher was a selfless and generous person and held a special place in his heart for veterans. He would often stop to ask homeless veterans if they needed anything and would return with a bag of items they needed most. Christopher went on to start a nonprofit organization, Make Warriors Strong Again, to help homeless veterans acquire basic necessities.

Christopher was a self-taught musician and artist who loved strumming on the guitar, playing the piano, and sketching. Most of all, he loved people and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his parents Carol and Richard, his brother Jeff and his wife Kelly Hedin-Philhower of Toms River, and five loving nieces and nephews Ashlyn, Brenton, Garrett, Riley, and Reese.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 12, from 4 pm – 8pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Funeral Service will be offered during visitation. Cremation will be private.

Christopher made it part of his life’s work to aide those who gave all, so that our country could thrive and prosper. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the veteran’s organization of your choice.

For messages of condolence, please visit Christopher’s page of tributes at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com.