ILION Bruce Arthur Phillips, age 73 passed away peacefully on Friday morning June 23, 2017as his wife Carol Ann Phillips held his hand. She peacefully followed him an hour later. Bruce was born on June 26, 1943 in Herkimer a son of the late Lauriston and Elva Strong Phillips. A lifelong area resident he was raised and educated in Herkimer. Carol was born on November 28, 1948 in Ayer, MA a daughter of the Late Clyde and Leona Richardson Nichols. She was raised and educated in Aye, MA. . On September 2, 1988 they were united in marriage in Ilion where they have lived since. For over forty years Bruce worked for the Remington Arms Company, retiring in 2006. They both had a strong faith in God and were members of the First Presbyterian Church, Ilion. Bruce and Carol shared a loving and devoted life together. He enjoyed woodworking and was a talented furniture maker and she enjoyed her home, family and creative writing. Carol had a kind and compassionate soul. Her willingness to put others first will long be remembered. Bruce was a fun loving sometimes sassy and amazing person who was always there for all their children. They are survived by their children Jamie Phillips of Houston TX, Bruce Phillips, Jr. of Colorado, Jason Phillips of Syracuse, Joseph Grower of Ilion, John Grower and his wife Jody of Herkimer, 5 daughters Debbie Grower of NV, Cindy Kerber and her husband Robert of Ava, Terry Grower Fletcher and her husband Eric of Burlington, Sherri Grower of Canajoharie, Heather Grower of Ilion, twenty seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Carol also leaves a brother Roger Nichols of Pepperell, Ma and a sister Mary Swinwicki and her husband Paul. Bruce was preceded in death by his brothers Roger, Thomas and Mark Phillips and a sister Doris Jackson Calling hours for Mr. and Mrs. Phillips on Sunday from 2:00 5:00 p.m.in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. Funeral service will be on Monday at 11:00 am in the First Presbyterian Church Ilion 90 Morgan Street, Ilion., with the Reverend Richard Riggle , pastor will officiate. Interment in Armory Hill Cemetery will be at a later date. The family would like to thank Elena Scalise from Hospice and Palliative Care for her sincere caring way. She truly was their angel