Fairview PArk, Ohio - PHILLIPS - Robert Michael, age 84, of Fairview Park, and formerly of Jerome, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. Beloved husband of Cynthia Phillips (née Basile) for 32 years. Loving father of Jonathan Phillips of Euclid, Ohio; Benjamin Phillips (Tia), of Scottsdale, Arizona; Matthew Phillips (Stephanie), of Deale, Maryland; and Emily Moore (Andrew), of Ontario, Canada. Cherished stepfather of Michelle Nerandzic, of Lakewood, Ohio, and Amber Naelitz, of Fairview Park, Ohio. Proud grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of one. Dear brother of Michael Phillips, of Jerome, Pennsylvania, and Janet Evans, (Don) of Springfield, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Wanda Phillips, and beloved brother, George Phillips. Robert devoted his professional life to serving others as an attorney, most recently with Faulkner, Hoffman and Phillips, LLC in Cleveland, Ohio. Over more than 40 years, he provided legal counsel to individuals and labor organizations in both the private and public sectors, specializing in matters under state and federal labor and employment law. From 1970 to 1981, Robert served as outside regional counsel to the United Autoworkers, playing a pivotal role in preserving wages and benefits for union members during a period of intense industrial downsizing in Ohio and neighboring states. He was also outside general counsel to the Ohio State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police (1978-1988), contributing valuable insight to the creation of Ohio's Collective Bargaining Law and participating in the drafting of several key provisions, including those related to duty of fair representation and union election procedures. Robert represented police unions across more than 40 governmental agencies, successfully litigating numerous cases before federal and state courts and agencies, often winning reinstatement, back pay, and benefits for his clients. He negotiated more than 250 labor contracts for public sector unions, representing police officers, dispatchers, schoolteachers, Metroparks employees, clerical and technical staff, and corrections officers. His work also included service as a military consultant for the Department of the Navy, representing individual employees with dedication and skill. He earned his B.S. from Indiana State College in 1962 and his J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University in 1970. His career was marked by unwavering advocacy, deep respect for working people, and a commitment to fairness and justice. Robert proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy captain and swift boat commander and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for his distinguished service in the Vietnam War. In addition to his professional and military accomplishments, he was a valued member of numerous fraternal lodges, military organizations, and unions, where he built lifelong friendships through service and fellowship. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Busch Funeral Home, 21369 Center Ridge Road, Fairview Park, Ohio, with military honors to follow at the funeral home.