Robert H. Phillips, AA4HP SK Welcome to the memorial page for Robert Phillips November 25, 1948 ~ October 11, 2016 (age 67) Robert Henry (Hank) Phillips died October 11, 2016, peacefully in his home in Titusville, Florida with family, friends, and cats by his side. He was born to Louise (Rahner) and Robert Phillips Jr. on November 25, 1948, in Weymouth, MA. Hank, a National Merit Scholar, graduated from A.C. Flora High School, 1967, in Columbia, SC, and received his BS Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland. Hank joined the US Army Signal Corps (US Army Security Agency) in 1968, and served 3 tours in Vietnam, was then assigned to Arlington Hall and Vint Hill Farms Station in VA, where he met his bride Stephanie Popper. They continued their military careers at the SHAPE, Central Army Group Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. Master Sergeant Phillips was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and many other military honors and citations. After retiring from the Army in 1988, Hank continued to pursue his passion for work in secure computer systems and communications electronics with Planning Research Corporation, in Heidelberg, Germany, then Lockheed Space Operations Company, Kennedy Space Center, FL, Harcourt Brace, Centron, and finally the Community Credit Union, Rockledge, FL. Hank is pre-deceased by his parents and a sister, Tresca Phillips Hoefer. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and will be missed by surviving nieces Mary Tresca Hoefer and Jamie Popper Costello (James), and nephews Alexander (Hilary) and Aaron Popper, grand-nieces and nephew: Alison, Maya and Dylan Popper, many cousins including Anne Phillips and Bill Shaw (Alison). He will be mourned by his mother-in-law, Bea Frost, and sisters-in-law, MaryAnn Hardy (Rick) who adored him, and Janice Popper. To say that Hank, AA4HP, was an avid radio enthusiast is an understatement. As a lifetime member of the ARRL he was ardently devoted to amateur radio sport, public service, Titusville Amateur Radio Club – ARES, and Army MARS. In March of 2016, he confirmed contacts with Ham operators in all countries/entities (339) to earn the coveted #1 ARRL DXCC Honor Roll recognition. Hank was also an amateur astronomer, and his friends and family have wonderful memories of evenings under the stars with him and his telescopes. Hank also enjoyed the lively company of the many German students that he and Stephanie hosted in their home each year through Partnership International and Astronaut High School. Hank and his beloved Stephanie had a 40 year marriage filled with mutual love, tenderness, respect and companionship from which they made a warm and inviting home. Stephanie is most appreciative for the skillful and gently guiding hands of family and friends: Nurses Tracey Harrison, Anne Phillips, Lisa Landen and Sylvia Smitt; and the assistance provided by the Hospice of St. Francis, Titusville. A memorial service for Robert Henry (Hank) Phillips will be held at the Mims United Methodist Church, 3302 Green St., Mims, FL, on Oct. 20, 2016, at 11am; lunch will follow; Pastor Denny McCullough, officiating. Rabbi Eric Smitt, Congregation Beth El, West Melbourne, will read the 23rd Psalm. Hank will be interred with his family at a later date. Any donations in Hank’s name can be shared with your favorite charity, the SPCA, Salvation Army, or the ARRL Education and Technology Fund. http://www.northbrevardfuneralhome.com/tributes/Robert-Phillips
