Obituary of Robert A. Phillips

Robert A. Phillips OLEAN - Robert A. Phillips, 81, of 112 North 10th Street, died Saturday (August 21, 2004) at Olean General Hospital following a brief illness. Born December 2, 1922 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of Harry and Carrie Phillips. He graduated from Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre, and served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946. In 1949, he earned a bachelor's degree from Mansfield State Teachers' College at Mansfield, PA, where he also lettered in baseball as a second baseman. Mr. Phillips began his public elementary teaching career in 1950 at School #2 on West State Street in Olean. He was later involved in the planning and naming of a new School #2 building, Washington West Elementary, which opened in 1968. During his teaching career, he served in the position of head teacher, and he successfully mentored numerous student teachers. He is fondly remembered as an exceptional teacher and role model, both within and outside the classroom. Mr. Phillips was a compassionate and generous teacher, and is remembered for the particular interest he took in students with special needs. He retired from Washington West in 1979. During his 54 years as an Olean resident, Mr. Phillips was actively involved in many non-profit and community service organizations. He served on the Olean Zoning Commission, the Recreation Commission, and the Youth Athletics Association, and was involved in planning and developing the Olean Recreation Center. He also served as President of Olean Little League Baseball, President of the Olean Teachers' Credit Union, and President of the Olean Lions Club, an organization which honored him as Lion of the Year. He was a supervisor for 18 years for the Youth Corps, and was also a volunteer for Interfaith Caregivers. For many years, Mr. Phillips taught civics and government to adults preparing to take their examinations leading to United States citizenship. He also taught courses in Industrial and Labor Relations. Mr. Phillips was a Life Member of the Buffalo Eye Bank, the Washington West PTA, and the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers. He served in many leadership capacities in his beloved Trinity United Methodist Church. Mr. Phillips is survived by Constance (Larson) Phillips, his loving wife of 53 years, and by sons Robert (Nancy) Phillips and Stephen (Brenda) Phillips of Olean, Conrad (Virginia) Phillips of Mohawk, NY, and Paul (Deirdre) Phillips of Avon, NY. Survivors also include eight grandchildren (Adam, Julianne, Alyssa, Blair, Kate, Hannah, Anna, and Ryan), a brother William Phillips, a step sister Molly Gardner, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother Harry Phillips, and a step-brother James Dray. The family will receive friends from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24 at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 West State Road, Olean. A memorial service will follow immediately at 3:00 p.m. Reverend Gerald Piper, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, will officiate. Private burial will be held at Mount View Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Donations in Mr. Phillips' memory may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 131 North 9th Street, Olean, NY 14760, or to the Interfaith Caregivers Program, 124 North Union Street, Olean, NY 14760.