Obituary of Robert C. Phillips

Phillips, Robert “Bob”
Irondequoit, NY

Robert “Bob” Phillips passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 73 after a long journey with Parkinson’s disease.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Phillips, and his sister, Gloria Phillips.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; three children, Jeff (Melisa), Kristen (Stuart) O’Connell, and Jennifer (Trace) Farmer; grandchildren, Madelyn, Colin, Molly, Olive, and Finn; his sister, Carol (Joe) Magliozzi; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A lifelong resident of Irondequoit, New York, he was many things to many people: a beloved social studies teacher in the Hilton Central School District (HCSD) for 33 years; founder of the Model United Nations (Model U.N.) Club in Hilton, New York, where he took students to national and international conferences and organized two local annual conferences attended by hundreds of students from across New York State; president of the HCSD Teachers Association for four years; and a dedicated sports coach.

To friends and family, he was also a Boy Scout leader, an active member of Seneca United Methodist Church, and coach of his children's sports teams. He was a devoted husband, proud father, doting grandfather, loyal friend, and caring neighbor.

Bob was happiest when surrounded by family, on the golf course, attending a Red Wings baseball game, cheering on his beloved Bills, or spending time at the family lake house, telling a story or sharing a history fact, often with a frosty beer in hand.

Bob’s funeral service will be held at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home, Inc., 570 Kings Highway South, Rochester, NY 14617, on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, the family will host a reception at the Harris Family Center, 560 Kings Highway South, for further sharing in Bob’s memory.

Interment will be private at Irondequoit Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to an organization fighting the fight against Parkinson’s, such as the Parkinson’s Foundation.