Obituary of Richard J. Phillips

PETERBORO . . . Richard J. Phillips, Jr., 73, of Summerfield, FL, and formerly of Peterboro, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at his home, following a lengthy illness, with his loving wife, beloved dog, and family by his side. He was born on March 3, 1945, in Canastota, a son of the late Richard, Sr., and Velma (Abbott) Phillips. Richard spent his early years in Canastota and Perryville, attending the Cazenovia schools. He later lived in Bridgeport and Peterboro, moving to Florida in 2016. He was a self-employed truck driver for over 40 years, doing long-haul trucking in his early years, and later driving dump trucks for area quarries and private work, retiring in 2015. Richard had been a member of the Perryville United Methodist Church. He loved riding his motorcycles, and enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with his family. Richard married Mary J. (Murphy) Buss on December 31, 1985, in Oneida. Surviving besides his wife, Mary, and his beloved dog, Missy, are: one son, Brian Phillips of Oneida; two stepsons and a stepdaughter-in-law, Mark Buss and his fiancée, Andrea Stratton, of Oneida, and Christopher and Claudette Buss of Oneida; one stepdaughter, Jane Whipple and friend, Jim Jones, of Cazenovia; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane and Herbert Philo of Oneida, and Debra and Milt Duffy of Chittenango; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Phillips of Venice, FL, and Cindy Phillips of Canastota; best friends, Archie and Joanie Diable of Summerfield, FL; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Richard was predeceased by two sons, Dennis Phillips and James Phillips; two grandsons, Kane Buss and Tyler Buss; one great granddaughter, Autumn Winchell; and three brothers, Ronald Phillips, Charles Phillips, and Larry Phillips. Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. The Rev. William M. Wilcox, Pastor of Fyler Community Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Peterboro Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, prior to the service, from 10 a.m. to Noon at the funeral home. In his memory, contributions may be made to Kindred Hospice, 1320 SE 25th Loop, Ocala, FL 34471, with envelopes available at the funeral home. J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota, NY A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home