Robert Phillips

Robert Warren Michael Phillips, 90, recently of Lakeland FL, previously of Pembroke Pines, FL died of congestive heart failure on November 12, 2015 in Lakeland FL. Robert was born on October 22, 1925 in New York, NY to Solomon Joseph Phillips, and Rose Abrams Phillips. Married on June 3, 1950 in New York to Irma Pedrogo. He served in the United States Army Air Forces from 1944 through 1946 as a cryptographic technician, enciphering and deciphering air to ground radio. He attended Columbia University School of Optometry (where he met his wife) from 1948-1950, and practiced optometry in New York (and briefly in San Juan, PR) until his retirement in 2002. Robert was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Rosary Council 4428. He took a leadership role in the Lions Clubs International in Deer Park, NY, where he served a term as president, and later as District Governor of district 20S. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Irma, 3 children Robert Phillips (Kathleen Connelly), Richard Phillips, Patricia Brand (John). He leaves 5 grandchildren, Adam Phillips (Rebecca Osborne-Phillips), Tatiana Phillips, Nicole Brand, Ryan Brand, and Jordan Brand. Viewing will be on Monday, November 16 from 5 to 7 PM at Heath Funeral Chapel in the Tribute Center, 328 Ingram Ave., Lakeland. Funeral services will be Tuesday November 17 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph""s Catholic Church on Missouri Ave. in Lakeland. Service: 11/17/2015 Joseph""s Catholic Church Lakeland, Florida Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 11/16/2015 Heath Funeral Chapel