Phil Niemisto

MARQUETTE — A familiar and beloved presence in downtown Marquette is no more, except in the memories of his many admirers.

Phil Niemisto, 88, Marquette’s famous “window washer” and the namesake of the pocket park along Washington Street, died peacefully in his home Sunday with friends and family at his side and under the care of Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.

Niemisto could often be seen washing windows — no matter what the weather — and tending to the flowers at his pocket park.

Marquette Mayor Dave Campana, who owned Campus Pharmacy along Third Street for 20 years, said Niemisto used to wash his windows — and was good at it.

However, there was more to Niemisto than just being a good window washer, with Campana calling him a “sincere person” who did what he enjoyed doing and was pleasant with anybody he came in contact with.

“He was just a guy that you could always talk to and be friends with,” Campana said. “He enjoyed life like no one else did.”

Niemisto also wanted to make other people around him happy, he said.

“He was proud of what he did and what he contributed to the community,” Campana said.

Niemisto’s many friends expressed their condolences and admiration via Facebook after hearing the news.

“Greatness is not about money, it’s about how you make others feel,” posted Nheena Weyer Ittner, executive director and founder of the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. “Phil was great with an entire community who called him friend.

“The sun opened up to welcome him in! Be at peace, our dear friend!”

The Landmark Inn of Marquette wrote: “We’re so sorry to hear of the loss of Phil. He was a beloved part of downtown Marquette, and helped make our city the special place it is.”

Niemisto was well known enough to have been featured at Roadside America’s website, with the story titled “Phil the Window Washer.”

The story focused on the life-sized statue of Niemisto that was placed at the pocket park in Marquette.

That statue, created by Marquette artist Earl Senchuk, was dedicated in October.

“It’s nice that somebody does notice what you’re doing day after day after day, and it’s very important,” Niemisto said during the ceremony.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home.