Hobart E. "Hobie" Phillips

Hobart E. “Hobie” Phillips of McMurray, Pa, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at the age of 90. Hobie was preceded in death in 2020 by his beloved wife of 66 years, Shirley S. Phillips (Street). 

 Hobie was born in Virginia and spent his early years growing up in Washington DC before moving to Pittsburgh during his high school years.  While attending Mt. Washington Baptist church he met his future wife, Shirley, daughter of Dorothy and Clayton Street. He also began his lifelong passion for singing when he joined the church choir.

Hobie graduated from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1954 with a degree in Civil Engineering and upon graduation married his beautiful wife, Shirley. He then began his nearly 40-year career at Columbia Gas Systems, Inc. where he ultimately retired. His career took him and his family to Vestal, NY, New Castle and Beaver, PA, Wheeling, WV, Cambridge, OH and ultimately back to McMurray and the Pittsburgh area. All along the way, he cherished his wife and children, and made friends that he kept close throughout his entire life. 

 He led a purposeful life demonstrated by leadership roles with service organizations such as the Easter Seals and Rotary Club. During his engineering career he also spear-headed the development of support programs at Columbia Gas that helped many customers in need. Some of his most cherished memories were made at Peters Creek Baptist church where he led the TLC group for seniors, participated in the God Squad, and sang in the choir. 

Another passion of Hobie’s was running. In his earlier days, he competed in races in West Virginia and Ohio. Hobie couldn’t wait to turn 50 years old because it threw him into the next age bracket where he could be sure to win! In his retirement years, he could always be seen running along the Montour Trail in McMurray.

Above all, Hobie was a man of strong faith who instilled in his loved ones a commitment to God and family as the true purpose of life.

Hobie is survived by and is the loving father of Kevin (Sherri Johnson) Phillips, Craig (Rosie) Phillips and Kathy Jo (Jim) Roberts, brother of Helen Piedmonte of Florida, grandfather of Teegan (Rich) Ness, Caitlin (Donny) MacKnight, Kelsey, Craig II (Emily), Olivia, Victoria, Wes (Tessa) & Dave (Dao), and great-grandfather of Huxley, Elizabeth, Cori and Charlotte. He will be forever loved and missed by all.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Peters Creek Baptist Church, at 6300 Library Road, South Park, PA 15129, where Hobie was a long-time member. 

Arrangements entrusted to David J. Henney Funeral Home, Library, Pa.

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