John R. Phillips

John R. Phillips I, 72, of Vestaburg, PA, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, in the Mon Valley Penn Highlands Hospital in Monongahela, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Washington, PA on December 8, 1953, John was the son of the late George and Anna Maruska Phillips.

John was a 1971 graduate of Bethlehem Center High School and later earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology at California State College.

On June 16, 1971, he married his wife, Dr. Cecelia Carlphillips, who survives.

For 48 years, John was employed by Diversified Human Services, in the Mon Valley, where he supervised the Riverside Horizons Adult Training Facility for most of those years.

John had a passion for music and taught guitar lessons for Trombino’s Music Store in Belle Vernon and Fine Music in Monongahela, PA. He was the lead guitarist for the band “Back in the Saddle”. He was also a proud supporter of Public Radio. John was a member of the Long Branch Community Grange #2072 and a past member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #15.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are the following children: Dr. Anneleze Z. (Lisa) Kraus (Dr. Brian), John R. Phillips II, Jennifer M. Gilbert (Jason), Hayley M. Finley (Garret), and Maria A. West (Chris). Also residing with John and his wife were a granddaughter, Kaitlyn Sirochman and a nephew Patrick A. Carl II; he also leaves behind 15 grandchildren Charles "Chas" Mattish II (Hannah), Anna Mattish, Maerin Phillips, George Phillips, Kaitlyn Sirochman, Alexander Wilk, Cameron Wilk, Jason Martin-Gilbert (Josh), Jackson Gilbert, Joseph Gilbert, Lilian Ladisic (Deven Stewart), Robi Marie Finley, Dominic Lee (Riley), Adam Phillips (Makena), and Mia West; 3 great grandchildren Miles Lee, Charles "Charlie" Mattish III, and Kinsley Mattish; siblings Michael Phillips, Dr. George Phillips (Beth), Mary Jane Martos (Bo), and David Phillips; close cousin Ron Phillips. 

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, are two children: Robert P.C. (Robi) Phillips and Katrina S. Wilk. He was also preceded in death by a sister Dr. Anne Ellen Phillips.

Family and friends will be received on Monday July 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home Ltd. 2830 Main Street Beallsville, PA. The Long Branch Grange will conduct a service on Monday beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the Funeral Home with Deacon Al Poroda officiating. Interment will follow in the Beallsville Cemetery.