Philip Segal III, a Greensboro North Carolina retailer best known to his friends as Havana Phil, has passed away. He was 60 years old.
Segal founded Havana Phil’s Cigar Company in 2010, a premium cigar store and lounge located in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 2014 the store became a Davidoff Appointed Merchant. One year later, Havana Phil’s became the first recipient of the Golden Band Award for Best New Appointed Merchant. At the same time, Segal was making plans to move into a new, larger location. In 2015, he purchased Anton’s Restaurant, a staple of the Greensboro area for more than 50 years. This building would not only become the home of a new expanded Havana Phil’s Cigar Company, but also a new Davidoff Lounge for Greensboro. It strengthened Havana Phil’s as a “go to” destination in the mid-Atlantic/Southeast.
Segal was a proud graduate of North Carolina State University, and a big fan of his alma mater’s Wolfpack teams. He was also an avid fan of the Carolina Hurricanes and Carolinas Panthers.
Segal is survived by his wife Kim, three children, and two grandchildren.
Funeral Information
Temple Emanuel
1129 Jefferson Road
Greensboro, NC 27410
Service: Friday 7/20 1pm Eastern
Editor’s Note: On a personal level, I have smoked in Havana Phil’s shop over the years. Back in January, I had the opportunity to spend a week with him in the Dominican Republic touring Davidoff’s facilities. I got to experience his warmth, kindness, and sense of humor that always brightened the day. You will be missed Havana Phil. Our condolences to Segal’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Photo Credit: Phil Segal III Facebook page
Phil was a unique guy and our world is a better place because he was in it. Thank God we’re not all the same. Phil will be missed be a lot of people…more than his family may ever realize.
Hate to hear Phil III has left us. He was a friendly competitor in the chemical industry in the 80’s who became a great customer in the 90’s. Rest in peace Havana Phil III
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Philip was always larger than life. He will be truly missed. Love to his family at this difficult time.
Phil was the first person to welcome me to Greensboro in 2007. He was a great business partner and ultimately a friend. My heart goes out to the entire family. It’s such a shock that he is gone. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him
I hate to hear that Phil has parted us, they just received a brilliant man in heaven. His shop was incredible and I’ll always remember his great personality. RIP Phil
Phil lived life in “FAST FORWARD!”…,blessed memories
One of the personality greats which touch many lives. This day leaves a dark hole for many of us. Safe travels my friend and light them up in your new world. You are already missed ” Love Ya Man”!
I have been fortunate enough to have known Phil since I was in High School, a long time friend. And of course a frequent visitor to both of his places. He will be missed by MANY.
Tenderly – may God heal your sorrow.
Gently – may friends ease your pain.
Softly – may peace replace heartache.
Warmly – may sweet memories remain.
Saddened by the news Phil has left us. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and family. He will be greatly missed.
One of a kind, I am sorry to see a bright light leave when they are so few and when we truly need them. The heavens and the stars will shine brighter at night. Should you ever want a reminder of Phil simply look for the star with the smoke ring around it. I’ll keep the family in my prayers
I will miss u calling my name .MS. Linda !!! .U always brought laughter .Hope they serviced fried chicken legs on your arrival. .
One goodhearted kind young man. Made his family proud. Much to brief a life. Will not forget his exuberant spirit. BSHSLOM.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Phil’s family and friends. R.I.P Phil you will be so missed. 🙁
As a fellow premium cigar retailer I can say Phill brought a lot to this industry. His personally was amazing. All that knew him were blessed. To young….God bless you Phil.
Wayne Anstead
Phil was such a warm and friendly guy. I only became acquainted with him after I left Greensboro, but as a NC State alum and cigar lover I will always miss conversing with him over Porsches and Jimmy V when I come home to visit. RIP Havana Phil!
He will be greatly missed. May his memory be a blessing.
We knew Phil when he was “Philip” 🙂 He was a wonderful friend to my brother and even a better friend to my mom and dad. He had a wonderful no Bull Shit personality and also a heart of gold. He LOVED his family, he adored his wife, and he loved NC sports. My heart is heavy…he was just frankly a really cool dude! So much passion for life and gone far too soon! Condolences to Kim, Pepper, Philip Michael, Elizabeth, Corky, Fred Paul, and all of his family members.
Philip, you’ll be missed, thanks for the laughter you shared.