Stephen R. Phillips, 65, of Franklin, Pa., passed unexpectedly Thursday, January 2, 2025, in UPMC Northwest in Seneca.
Born March 19, 1959, in Morgantown, he was a son of the late John R. Phillips and Mary Joyce Thompson Phillips.
He was a 1982 graduate of the former Romney School for the Deaf and Blind in Romney.
For everyone who knew Steve they all would agree he was a gentle soul, innocent, happy, and loved his life. From an early age Steve was hard of hearing and developmentally disabled, yet he never let these challenges interfere with the life he wanted. He was a joy to his mother, a beloved sibling, and a compassionate uncle to his niece throughout his life. He communicated well and was extremely artistic. In his younger life he worked in a stain glass shop creating beautiful lamps, windows, and other small specialty gifts.
Steve moved with his brother, John and family from Texas and resided in Franklin since 2005. He worked for Venango Training and Development Center in its janitorial department for several years.
In 2008, he was recognized by the Pennsylvania Intellectual and Disability Council for achievement, character, and personal work ethic.
Later in life, Steve expressed his creativity and love of art through the time he spent enjoying adult coloring books. He was a faithful Pittsburgh Steelers fan and watched every game and recorded the scores in his notebook. Steve also was a huge Marvel fan, with Spiderman being his favorite character. Steve was very methodical with his writing and took time to be very exact; some have said he had the most artistic signature they had ever seen.
Surviving are brothers, John R. Phillips II and his wife, Nicole Ferrebee-Phillips of Franklin; and niece, Victoria Phillips of Pittsburgh; Richard Dale Phillips and wife Julie of Texas; Thomas K. Halki of West Virginia; and sister, Aimee Gusky and her husband, Joel of Delaware.
He was preceded in death by his father, John R. Phillips and mother, Mary Joyce Phillips; and brother, Truman Halki.
A private family service will be held in the spring, when Stephen will be laid to rest with his mother at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Morgantown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Venango Training and Development Center, in honor of Steve.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff- Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park Street, Franklin, Pa.
Condolences may be sent to his family at www.Huffguthrie.com
