Phillip "Phil" Rocco Harbottle

Phillip Rocco Harbottle, lovingly known to all as Phil, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, at the age of 73. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Phil’s life was defined by faith, service, and a deep, abiding love for his family.

Phil was born on July 10, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Robert William and Teresina (Montani) Harbottle. He grew up in Cleveland alongside his brothers, John and Robert, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. Phil was a proud graduate of Cathedral Latin High School and continued his education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and forged many lifelong friendships.

In 1973, Phil married the love of his life, Sharon Marie Barton. Together, they built a marriage rooted in love, faith, and unwavering partnership, sharing 52 years of devotion to one another.

Phil’s professional life was marked by dedication and integrity. He began his career in 1972 with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, serving in the Washington, D.C. office. After many years of service, Phil chose a path that allowed more time with family, transitioning to the private sector. He spent 35 successful years with American International Group (AIG) in Cleveland, Ohio, and Wilmington, Delaware, where he rose to the roles of Vice President and Senior Vice President of Claims for Accidental Death and Dismemberment. He later continued his leadership in the insurance industry with Lincoln Financial Group in Omaha, Nebraska, and Life of the South in Jacksonville, Florida, both as Vice President of Claims. During these years, Phil developed a passion for golf, a joy he eagerly shared with family, friends, and colleagues.

After retiring from corporate life in 2008, Phil returned to public service in a way that brought him immense happiness—serving as a school bus driver for St. Johns County in Northwest Florida. Known fondly as “Mr. Phil” by students and staff alike, he cherished the daily interactions with children and took great pride in being a positive presence in their lives. During this time, he also devoted himself more fully to the Knights of Columbus, attaining the 4th degree, and became a beloved usher and steadfast servant at San Sebastian Catholic Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

An avid boater, Master Diver and SCUBA instructor, and enthusiastic cruise traveler, Phil felt most at peace on the water. Above all, he will be remembered for his strong Catholic faith, his generous spirit, and his extraordinary love for his family.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Marie (Barton) Harbottle; his daughters, Dr. Heather Christina Harbottle (Dr. Gabriel Davilla) of Mount Airy, Maryland, and Candice Noelle (Harbottle) Rose (James Rose); his cherished grandchildren, Ansleigh Noelle Rose and Everett James Rose of Flowery Branch, Georgia; his brother, Robert Harbottle of Richmond, Virginia; his sister-in-law, Linda Harbottle (John Harbottle); and his niece, Holly Harbottle Workman (Shannon Workman) of Richmond, Virginia.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at San Sebastian Catholic Church, 1112 State Road 16, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Phil’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Phil’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love a legacy that will endure forever.