Obituary of Robert J. Phillips, Sr.

Robert (Bob) Phillips, Sr. “Husband, father, grandfather, veteran, teacher, and coach” Allegany---Robert (Bob) Phillips, Sr. of Allegany, a proud American veteran, passed away peacefully at Olean General Hospital at the age of 74 on Tuesday, (July 4, 2023), our Nation’s birthday. Bob was born in Olean on December 16, 1948 to Blair and Wilmont (Carls) Phillips. He graduated from Archbishop Walsh High School in 1966 and then attended St. Bonaventure University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in education. While there, he also completed the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He retired from the Army Reserves at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with over 20 years of service. Bob taught mathematics at Olean High School from 1973 to 2009 and served as the president of the Olean Teachers Association. He coached little league baseball and varsity bowling. He was an avid bowler, having participated in teacher, local, regional, and national leagues, and tournaments. While working at Olean City School District, he met Deborah (Debbie) Wdzieczny, who also taught mathematics. They married on July 12, 1975 in Buffalo and lived in Weston Mills before building their home in Allegany in 1981. Bob was devoted to his community and served as chairman on the Town of Allegany Planning Board and as president of the Allegany-Limestone School Board. He was a member and past Grand Knight of the Allegany Knights of Columbus and was a parishioner of St. Bonaventure Church, where he was an usher as well as a volunteer for Bonafest. Throughout his 50+ years of continuous membership at the Allegany American Legion, he held various positions including Post Commander, President of the Board of Trustees, ABC Officer, and member of the Honor Guard. Besides his loving wife of almost 48 years, he is survived by his two children, Carlie (Nick) McCaffery of Corning, and Robert (Erica) Phillips, Jr. of Tonawanda, as well as his older brother Michael (Kathy) Phillips of East Brunswick, NJ. Bob is also survived by his two grandchildren, Reagan, and Chase McCaffery, who he absolutely adored until his passing. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved brothers-in-law, Robert (Bobby) Hardick and David Wdzieczny. Friends will be received from 1:30 to 3:30pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm on Sunday at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A prayer service will be held Monday (July 10, 2023) at 10:00am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am in St. Bonaventure Church, 95 East Main St., Allegany. Fr. Michael Reyes, OFM, will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Allegany American Legion Post 892, 4350 Rt. 417, Allegany, NY.