Richard H. Phillips Jr.

Cohoes – Richard H. Phillips, Jr., 55, of 2 Pasinella Way, peacefully entered into eternal life on December 6th after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Raised in Troy, he was the son of Dr. Richard H. Phillips, Sr., and Ruth LaGraff Phillips of Loudonville and husband for 14 years of Donna Lavery-Phillips. He was a graduate of Troy High School.

Survivors in addition to his wife and parents include two sons, Richard H. ‘Tad’ (Crystal) Phillips III, of Brunswick and Brenton C. Phillips of Troy; their mother, Carol Levesque; a granddaughter, Zoe Jane Phillips; a grandson, Richard H. Phillips IV (T.J.); a sister, Laura Phillips Bloomfield and nephew, Michael J. Bloomfield of Troy, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

His strong work ethic was unmatched. Over a 25 year period Rick owned and operated A&P Awning Company, then Awning Design Studio, Troy.  He was a Certified Master Fabric Craftsman. Later he started a transportation business named Errand Boy, Inc. in Troy, which later became Shuttlebug Taxi. 

Rick was a kind and caring man.  He had great concern for the needy and was always willing to help out those less fortunate than he. He was a man of great warmth and generosity, and made people smile.

Other than his family, Rick’s first love was trout fishing.  A pole and tackle box were permanent fixtures in his vehicle during the season. His favorite times were spent wading the Poestenkill Creek to a sweet spot upstream. He also pursued deep sea and lake charters whenever possible.  In addition to being an avid fisherman, during his childhood he nurtured raccoons, squirrels, reptiles and set up aquariums.  He loved all of his many dogs, and loved all genres of music; Rick’s sense of adventure was explored by skydiving, riding motorcycles, and polar bear swimming on New Year’s Day to cleanse his soul for the coming year.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc., 276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Tuesday from 4-7PM.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11AM at the funeral home with Rev. Andrew Russ, officiating.

Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of House 2 at The Eddy Village Green for their kind and compassionate care of Rick as well as their friendships. The family also thanks The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County for their love and support for Rick and the entire family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Richard H. Phillips Jr. to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County 295 Valley View Boulevard Rensselaer, NY 12144. 

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