Robert Phillips Obituary

ROBERT J. "BOBBY SNYE" PHILLIPS

HOGANSBURG- Robert J. "Bobby Snye" Phillips, 68, of 67 Phillips Road, unexpectedly passed away following a short illness on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, with his family by his side.

Robert was born on January 25, 1957, in Malone, son of the late John B. and Agnes (Sunday) Phillips. He was a 1975 graduate of Salmon River Central School, and married Sharon E. Rourke on December 4, 2004, at the St. Regis Catholic Church, with Fr. Belgarde officiating.

Robert was retired from Local Laborers Union 322. He was a member of the St. Regis Catholic Church, Akwesasne Death Benefits Group, and an associate member of the American Legion. In his youth, he earned the nickname "Bobby Snye". He enjoyed playing sports, and proudly playing high school hockey and later on coaching hockey. Bobby also played softball for the Snye Bums and Frogtown teams and the Old Timers League. He was a Philadelphia Eagles fan, and later turned a Buffalo Bills fan. Bobby was a fluent Mohawk speaker and was always honored to share his knowledge. He loved cooking for everyone, always making sure whoever came to his house was well fed. In his free time, Bobby enjoyed working on repairing small engines, playing CKON radio bingo, and playing cards. Specifically, he enjoyed endless card games of Ace to King, Thirty-one, and Rummy 500. Bobby also volunteered his time to cut grass at the local cemeteries with his brothers and cousins.

Bobby is survived by his wife Sharon; his children James Phillips and Emma Phillips (Jacob Wynn), of Hogansburg; his siblings, Myrna Brown of Gouverneur, Joseph Phillips (Joan) of Akwesasne, Paul Phillips of Greenfield, MA, Andrew Phillips (Germaine) of Fort Covington, Dennis Phillips (Cindy) of Akwesasne, and Pat Phillips (Carol) of Akwesasne; his aunts Rita McDonald of Akwesasne, and Elizabeth Reeves of Rochester; and his Uncle Billy Sunday of Akwesasne.

He is also survived by his wife's siblings, Marshall Rourke (Janine), Gale Rourke (Eren), Dave Rourke (Susie), Carol Papineau (Timmy), Dan Rourke (Beverly), Timmy Rourke, Raymond Rourke (Susie), Alice Tarbell (José), and Robert Rourke (Jeff); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents John and Agnes, Robert was also predeceased by his siblings, Henry Phillips, Richard Phillips, Catherine Johnson, Anna Phillips, and Marie Phillips; brother-in-law Kirk Brown; and his nephews Patrick Phillips in infancy, and Warren Phillips; father and mother-in-law Joseph and Isabel Rourke.

Friends may call at Akwesasne Homemakers beginning Monday at 12 noon, until Wednesday at 9 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, at 10 AM at the St. Regis Catholic Church Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, where friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.