HAMPSTEAD — Robert “Bob” Phiel, Jr. 60, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2023 at his home in Hampstead, North Carolina. Bob was the beloved husband of Susan “Sue” (Hohenwarter) Phiel for 30 years.
Bob was a career firefighter with Surf City Fire Department (Pender County, North Carolina) and a volunteer firefighter with Topsail Beach Volunteer Fire Department (Pender County, North Carolina). He has been in the fire service for 42 years, including his time with Goshen Fire Department in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
After being diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma in July of 2021, Bob courageously fought to battle cancer as it spread to his brain. He completed numerous rounds of chemotherapy and in November of 2022 he underwent CAR T stem cell transplant, after which, he achieved remission. He was looking forward to returning to the career he loved of being a fire fighter and was planning a Cayman Island vacation with Sue. Unfortunately, Bob became ill at the end of January of 2023 and never recovered from his struggle with respiratory illness.
Bob is remembered as a generous person and friend to many, who loved his work as a firefighter, serving his community, and mentoring others. Always willing to lend a helping hand, and of course, he enjoyed gathering people together for fun and key lime pie (the recipe of which is not written down anywhere!).
In addition to his wife, Sue (Hohenwarter) Phiel; Bob was also survived by mother, Linda (Newlin) Phiel; two sisters, Wendy Phiel and Jen Fort and husband Clive; 19 nieces and nephews; and 13 grand nieces and nephews. He is predeceased in death by his father, Robert Phiel, Sr.
Our lives are better because we knew Bob, so we ask that you join us at one of the celebration of life gatherings which will be held in both North Carolina and Pennsylvania at location and times to be determined.
A celebration of life will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 19, at Surf City Welcome and Event Center 102 N. Shore Dr., Surf City, NC 28445.
Please drop in any time during the celebration of life for an informal sharing of everyone’s favorite stories and memories of Bob. Light refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Surf City Fire Department via the Surf City Fire Auxiliary or the North Carolina Fallen Fire Fighter Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Pennsylvania at a date and time to be determined.
