Phillip Lewis FitzSimons

Phillip Lewis FitzSimons, 59, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on November 5, 2024, from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Phil’s brain tissue was donated to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center. Phil was born in Indianapolis on October 6, 1965, the fourth child of Patrick FitzSimons and Suzanne Lewis. He had three older siblings: Patrick Jr. (Chip), Sean, and Ann. Three years later, his sister, Theresa, was born. When Phil was ten years old, his sister Ann died in an automobile accident, a tragedy that affected him for the rest of his life.

Phil grew up in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis, where he developed a deep love for sports, especially basketball. His childhood friends recall him shooting hoops almost daily. Phil often reminisced about his time spent at the Optimist Club, where he and his friends had wiffle ball wars and raced their bikes down Broad Ripple Avenue to Glendale Mall.

After graduating from Bishop Chatard High School in 1984, Phil attended IUPUI. In 1985, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving until 1988. Most of that time was spent at Camp David, where he had the opportunity to meet Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Following his service, Phil returned to Indianapolis to complete his degree. It was during this time that he met his wife, Lesley Gruemmer, and began his long and fulfilling career with Bazbeaux restaurants. Over the years, his dedication and hard work helped him rise through the ranks, eventually becoming assistant manager at the Broad Ripple and Mass Ave locations. In 2006, he opened and managed the Carmel location. Over the years, he formed lasting friendships with owner Jeff Berman, staff, and countless customers. Phil will be remembered for his dedicated approach to work and his willingness to assist with any task. After his cancer diagnosis in January 2024, he and Lesley received numerous visits, calls, letters and messages from employees of Bazbeaux, former employees, and even customers, telling him how he had touched their lives.

Phil and Lesley’s story continued in 1996, when they traveled to Las Vegas during March Madness and spontaneously decided to get married. In 1997, they welcomed the first of the five dachshunds they would eventually own. In 1999, their daughter, Reagan, was born, followed by their son, Conrad, in 2002. Phil was a loving, hands-on father, with care and devotion to his family. In the early days, he worked as a manager at Bazbeaux in the evenings and looked after Reagan and Conrad during the day until Lesley returned from work. A steady and non-critical presence, Phil created a nurturing home where his children thrived.

Phil was an avid fan of the Colts and the Hoosiers. He loved analyzing and speculating on sporting events. He enjoyed cycling—both road and mountain biking, which resulted in a few injuries that he bore with good humor. He had an uncanny ability to remember everything, from college mascots to geography, maps, and even the details of customers’ lives.

Phil lived his life with unwavering love for his family and friends, and genuine kindness. As his friend Kenny said, he could have a tough exterior, but it was matched with a tender and compassionate heart. He truly touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed.

Phil is survived by his wife, Lesley; children, Reagan (and fiancé Tim Brogan) and Conrad; siblings Chip, Sean, and Theresa FitzSimons; brother-in-law Brooks Gruemmer (Kim) and their children Nolan, Lane, and Reece; sister-in-law Paige Gruemmer; mother-in-law Christa Elder; and many dear friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Suzanne FitzSimons; his sister, Ann FitzSimons; and his brother-in-law Brady Gruemmer.

A gathering in remembrance of Phil will be held on November 23 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Bazbeaux Broad Ripple, 811 E. Westfield Boulevard in Indianapolis. Brief remarks will be around 4:15.