Philip Ateto, an activist and community organizer known for his commitment to social justice and local engagement, died last month at age 48 after a prolonged battle with multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer. He passed away at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, having faced the illness for more than a decade.

Over the past six years, two GoFundMe campaigns raised a combined total of $53,500 to support his treatment. Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Mr. Ateto attended Glen Burnie High School and graduated from Virginia Tech in 2000 with a degree in international studies. He spent much of his adult life in Annapolis, Maryland, and worked freelance in Baltimore.

Mr. Ateto was deeply involved in activism, particularly as part of the Backbone Campaign, a Seattle-based organization dedicated to peaceful protest and political dissent. Known there as “Backbone East,” he served as the group’s unofficial East Coast correspondent. The campaign employed creative forms of protest, including projecting political messages onto public buildings, a tactic Mr. Ateto frequently helped facilitate. Bill Moyer, the campaign’s executive director, praised him for his combination of grassroots organizing and quiet leadership, describing him as an activist who successfully built community power rather than simply making noise.

Locally, Mr. Ateto was known for his vibrant personality and ability to unite communities, attributes that friends said shone particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eleanor Goldfield, a Washington, D.C.-based artist and fellow activist who met Mr. Ateto in 2013, said he was a “moral compass” who helped bring people together during difficult times. She also highlighted his generosity and kindness, describing him as an important figure in her family life, especially to her young son.

In addition to his activism, Mr. Ateto was involved in Anne Arundel County politics. In 2022, he made headlines when he attended a County Council meeting dressed in a poop emoji costume to protest a police accountability bill he believed would negatively affect marginalized communities. During the meeting, he released a gas bomb, prompting an evacuation and resulting in a disorderly conduct charge; he was placed on probation for one year. Friends recalled this incident as emblematic of Mr. Ateto’s unique blend of humor and political conviction.

Longtime friends and colleagues emphasized his role as a community builder and mentor. Lisa Mundy described him as someone she relied on for guidance and brainstorming, noting his compassion extended to youth leadership in his church. William Rowel, another close friend, recalled Mr. Ateto’s ability to connect with people at large gatherings and his skill in creating inclusive spaces.

Mr. Ateto is survived by his wife, Jessica, who supported him throughout his illness; his parents, Frederick and Fran Ateto; his sister, Natalie Edington; nieces Kara and Sophia; his pets; and a wide circle of friends. His family requested privacy, expressing pride in his life and contributions. “Through his courage, his actions and his commitment, he did his part to change the world for the better,” they said in a statement.