Robert J. Phillips

Robert Joseph ""Bob"" Phillips of Wethersfield, born August 23, 1934, died on January 29th after weeks of visits by family and friends who came together to share memories with him, to laugh, and to cry.

Grandpa Bob was the proudest grandpa to ever grandpa, as well as a loving and memorable uncle, father, husband, friend, and neighbor. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy; his daughter Meredith Phillips and her husband Matthew Schuerman, and their children Henry and Ivy; and by his daughter Beth's children, Justin and Amelia. He is also survived by many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his adored sister Janet White (2016) as well as his cherished daughter Elizabeth Jean Kempf (2010).

Bob grew up in Naugatuck, Connecticut, and was a proud graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury and Fordham University (Class of 1957). He worked for 35 years at Aetna Realty Investors, retiring as a vice president to travel, care for grandkids, and read widely and endlessly. A genuine life-long learner, Bob's curiosity was truly insatiable.

Born during the Great Depression, Bob reveled in what history can teach us as well as thrift: he devoted his life to hard work and saving, investing, and caring for family, always prioritizing a good education. He also loved a good laugh, and found time for plenty of them up through his last day.

Funeral services will begin on Wednesday, February 4 at 11 a.m. at the Farley Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield, CT, with a Catholic service at noon, followed by a burial in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. Our family offers gratitude to the legion of family and friends whose love and support have lifted Bob up. He spent his last days expressing overwhelming gratitude and joy in the gift of 91 years. Special thanks to the caring people at the Church of the Incarnation, the Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute, and the St. Mary Home in West Hartford. For those wishing to make memorial donations, the family is particularly grateful to the ALS Association of CT, 4 Oxford Rd., Suite E4, Milford, CT 06460. To extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com.