William Edward Phillips Sr.

William Edward Phillips Sr. of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on November 30, 1932, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, he was the son of John and Margaret (Marree) Phillips. William was a proud graduate of Sharon High School and went on to earn his degree from Thiel College in 1954, followed by a postgraduate master's from Westminster College.

A dedicated community leader, William served in the Army during the Korean War and went on to have a distinguished career in business. He started at Niles Expanded Metal in 1965, purchasing the company in 1985 and transforming it into Niles International. His commitment to the community was recognized when he received the Heart of Community Award from the American Heart Association in 2005. He also held the prestigious title of Entrepreneur of the Year from Thiel College in 2002, served as President of the Manufacturers Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, and was a past president of the Niles Chamber of Commerce.

William was actively involved in various clubs and organizations, including Delta Sigma Phi, The Buckeye Club, Trumbull Country Club, Fiddlesticks Country Club, and Avalon Country Club. William was a member of Blessed Sacrament, Warren Ohio and St. John the XXIII in Fort Myers, Florida. He enjoyed spending his leisure time playing cards, golfing, traveling, and dancing. He was also a loving caretaker to his many koi fish in both Ohio and Florida. Above all, he cherished quality time with his family and friends and his relationship with God.

William is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Phillips and his beloved children, Bill Jr. (Maria) Phillips and Timothy (Crickett) Phillips, as well as his treasured stepchildren, Cathy (Brian) Stabile, Dr. Brian (Kim) Ralph, and Liza (Chris) Ruetten. He was a proud grandfather to Billy (Hannah) Phillips III, Caelan (Morgan) Phillips, and his bonus grandchildren: Justin (Michaela) Ruetten, Tommy Carnifax, Joey Carnifax, Sophia Ralph, Millie Ralph, Payton Ralph, Charli (Chris) Zysk, and Aaron (Allie) Strock. He was also a great-grandfather to Sofie and Carter Strock, Alex, Otto, and Hudson Ruetten, and looked forward to the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Giovanna (Gigi) Grace Phillips, in March 2025.

William is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dr. John (Jack) Robert Phillips and Jack's wife, Marge. Also, preceding him in death was his first wife, Betty Phillips, and second wife, Sis Phillips. His legacy of leadership, community service, and love will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Finally, his son, Billy Phillips Jr, felt a connection to a quote by D.H. Lawrence when he thought of his loving father: “I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.”

A private mass in Fort Myers, FL will be held in early February. A celebration of life will be held in Warren, OH at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or the charity of the donor’s choice.