Robert R. Phenes

Robert R. Phenes, age 81, of Phelps, NY, passed away at home Saturday, May 18, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born February 3, 1943 to the late Carl and Elizabeth Phenes in Corning, NY. He was the oldest of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Phenes, In-laws Charles and Marjorie Schwartz, brother-in-law's Thomas Schwartz, Chipper Schwartz and Michael Schwartz, sister-in-law Anne Schwartz.

Bob graduated from Painted Post High School in 1960 and went on to service as a member of the Army National Guard from 1960-1963. He became a Trooper with the New York State Police in 1970. He was proud of his career, during which he became a Sergeant and retired as an Investigator, working on several notable cases and receiving many accommodations for his work. Several members of the NYSP have reached out to the family telling them how respected Bob was throughout his career. Bob retired in 1996 and in "retirement", Bob worked in security at the Federal Court in Rochester. He retired for good in 2012.

Bob met the love of his life, Ginny, while on a blind date and they married in 1971. They settled in Phelps where they raised their two daughters and eventually were blessed with a grandson. Bob was a determined, loyal and hardworking provider for his family. Although a man of few words, the words he did speak were always full of truth and wisdom and he always tried to see the good in people. He encouraged his daughters and grandson to pursue what makes them happy, be good people and instilled a strong work ethic. He unconditionally supported his family throughout the many accomplishments and difficulties of their lives. Bob also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making his family laugh with his many "Bob-ism's" and taking the family on his famous "Bob's Parking Lot Tours."

Other than spending time with his family, Bob loved golfing, bowling, hunting and serving his community. He was active with the Phelps American Legion where he was a member of the Post, the Sons of the American Legion, was the first male member of the Auxiliary and most recently on the Board of Directors. Throughout the years he held many positions within these groups. He was a member of the Color Guard, Honor Guard and a "Cowboy". Bob loved volunteering his time and took pride in all of his jobs and duties at the legion. Bob was a member of the Newark Elks Lodge where he was a Past Exalted Ruler. He was also a parishioner at St. Francis Church where he served as a Sacristan, collector and helped take care with the St. Pauly box.

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years Ginny Phenes; daughters Stephanie (Courtney) Phenes and Christy (Jeff) Phenes-VanCamp; beloved grandson Cole Robert (Kayla) Phenes-VanCamp; Brother Gordon (Beverly) Phenes; Sisters Carol (Chris) Shroyer and Marcia Hill; many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends and his German Shepherd Tamar.

Family and Friends may gather for visitation on Thursday, May 23rd from 4pm-7pm at Cheney Funeral Home in Phelps, NY. The funeral will be held Friday, May 24th at 10am at St. Francis Catholic Church with burial at St. Francis Cemetery both in Phelps, NY. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Phelps American Legion.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chester Nakamura, Dr. Benjamin Fleming, Dr. Josephine Adunse, Dr. Stephen Ignaczak. Dr. Benjamin Onderdonk and their staff for their compassion and care throughout Bob's short illness.

The family would also like to give a special thanks to UR Medicine Ontario Yates Hospice RN Pam Mills, RN Yvonne Hallstead and LMSW Jennifer Wolfe who provided immeasurable compassionate care and reassurance to Bob and his family during the final days of his life.