Philip Morgan Gilmore

Philip Morgan Gilmore died peacefully in his home in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 1, 2026 at the age of 53 from lung adenocarcinoma complicated by leptomeningeal disease.

Philip is survived by his husband, Lawrence Benjamin Lewis, his sister Renee Irene Gilmore, both of New Orleans, his stepchildren Julia Isabelle Lewis and Alexander Benjamin Lewis, both of Slidell, Louisiana, and a host of other relatives and friends. Born in New Orleans on May 18, 1973, Philip was predeceased by his parents Sally Irene Schneiday and Edmund Hart Gilmore, Jr.

A graduate of Grace King High School in Metairie, Louisiana, The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington (B.A., Art History), and The University of New Orleans (M.S., Urban Studies), he was an architectural historian who worked at the city, state, and federal levels. Philip devoted his professional life to preserving the places that hold our collective memory, believing that historic places carry the stories of those who came before us and those who will come after us. Those who loved him will remember that he carried memory in much the same way-through stories, friendships, travels, and a deep reverence for history. Friends and family knew Philip for his gentle nature, thoughtful conversation, and quiet kindness, qualities that made others feel both welcomed and understood.

Philip and Lawrence shared fifteen years of marriage marked by a common love of architecture, history, genealogy, travel, and the enduring beauty of places where the past remains present. He was an avid world traveler who enjoyed his many visits to historic sites across the world, including Mexico, Germany, England, Scotland, France, Spain, Italy, and Turkiye. An enthusiastic genealogist, Philip took particular delight in his descent from the medieval English House of York and the colonial Puritans of New England. He was also Lord of the Manor of Brooke Montacute, in the Parish of Montacute, in the County of Somerset, England, UK, a living historic feudal heritage that he wished passed on in time to his stepdaughter Julia.

A spiritual man who found grace in both the eastern Buddhist wisdom tradition and the spirituality of the western Catholic Church, Philip was active in sharing his faith in a local Circle of Light spiritual community and in Saint Michael's Parish of the Holy Catholic Church. In keeping with his generosity of spirit, Philip willed his body to LSU Health Sciences Center for the education of future healers. Memorial services are pending. Check back for updates. 

In his memory, please make a contribution to a charily of your choosing in lieu of flowers or other gifts.