"I am so sorry to take note of your husband's passing, Jeanne. I recognized his picture and remember a very classy man. Jeanne, you and I did Children's Liturgy at St. Bridget's in Bloomfield. I remember you both well, and certainly want to convey my condolences to you."
In loving memory of
Russell F. Phillips
February 13, 1949 - December 10, 2022
Penfield: Russ went home to be with the Lord on December 10, 2022, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Russell is predeceased by his parents, Fred & Rita Phillips; sister-in-law, Dorothy Miller. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jeanne (Eisenhauer) Phillips; sons, Stephan (Susan) Phillips, Brian (Kelly) Phillips & Jeffrey (Michelle) Phillips; grandchildren, Dylan (Rachel), Spencer, Lexi, Mason, Ethan & Vinda; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Norman "Butch" (Dianna) Eisenhauer, Marlene (Steve Lawler) Nyiri, Joseph (Leslie) Eisenhauer; many nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends; his RPA family.
In 1976 Russ started his Fire & Emergency Management business in the basement of his home, eventually growing to include offices in California & Connecticut. Work had him traveling every week all around the country but he always made time for family. He loved coaching his 3 sons in GCB baseball, camping, hiking, kayaking, and biking. Anything that kept him outdoors was on his bucket list. He took special pride in his family and home. As their sons made families of their own, Russ and Jeanne realized a lifelong dream by building a log home in Bloomfield. Russ loved caring for their horses and maintaining the 85 acres of picturesque landscape. Parkinson's was diagnosed in 2009. For 13 years we did everything possible to fight this disease. Many thanks to Wellness 360 and Rock Steady Boxing, as well as our family of PD warriors.
Russell's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 16th at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 15 Saint Marys Place Rochester, NY 14607. Memorial donations can be made in Russell's name to the Parkinsons Foundation, www.parkinsons.org, or EquiCenter, www.equicenterny.org.
Tributes
"I had the pleasure of working for Russ in the early days of my Fire Service career, starting in his basement office and eventually moving to his first office in Greece. I had the opportunity to further my fire protection knowledge, learn the healthcare industry, travel extensively, and always felt like I was making a difference for the healthcare staff and their patients. Russ taught me a lot about fire safety, public speaking, building confidence, running a business...and of course, how to dress professionally (well maintained footwear was a hallmark)! I built lifelong friendships as a result of working at Russell Phillips & Associates and fortunately always had the fire put out successfully during live fire training on our blue nomex jumpsuits! Thank you for everything, Russ. I will never forget you, the opportunities you provided, and all I learned from you."
"It is with a heavy heart to hear of Russell's passing. Every time Russ came in, he brightened up the day and always made me smile because of his determination and tenacity. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeanne, family, and loved ones. The world became a better place because of Mr. Phillips and will truly be missed. "
"Russ and Jeanne were next door neighbors when we lived on Pearson Lane and we always enjoyed interacting with them. We laughed when we would see Russ ?invite? our dog Maxx into his yard to play with him and give him treats. Russ was trustworthy, witty, humorous, a hard worker and it was evident how much he loved and cared for his family. Dick and Sue Barber "
"An amazing man,husband father, and mentor. We in the fire service could look to Russ and his business for guidance in health care related situations. Never asking anything in return. Just make the facility safer for the patients or residents. He set a benchmark that many will never reach. Rest in peace my friend. You are missed Bob Derrick Fire Marshal , Ret"
"To say Russ was an amazing man is a huge understatement! He was the best son, husband, father, grandfather and, most important for me, the best cousin ever. His smile warmed hearts and was always there in good and difficult times. With the never ending help from his sweet Jeanne he fought Parkinsons with grace. In the words of his Mother "He's such a nice Boy!" And he was. I will miss him dearly!"
"To say that we are devastated by Russ?s passing is how we are feeling. We first met Russ and Jeanne as new neighbors on Pearson Lane and had such fun with them. Even though we moved away we kept in touch. It was always evident how very proud they were of their family and the success of Russ?s business. I have just had major back surgery or we would certainly be there for the service. Please know that we are there is spirit and our thoughts are with each of you. Darla and Alan Weaver"