Obituary of Phillip H. Bryant

STAR LAKE – Phillip H. Bryant, age 78, of Star Lake, passed away on December 28, 2023 at Clifton-Fine Hospital. There will be a funeral service held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Hubert's Catholic Church in Star Lake followed by burial with military honors at Oswegatchie Cemetery and reception at the Clifton-Fine Community Center. Arrangements are with French Family Funeral Home in Star Lake. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Phil was born on April 21, 1945 in Watertown to William B. Bryant and Maude E. Jareo. He was raised by his foster parents, Harold and Dorothy Yates and brought up with the name Douglas Yates. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1963. He began serving in the Navy Reserve in 1962 and served in the United States Navy from July 10, 1963 until his honorable discharge on October 17, 1966. Phil then earned his Associate degree from J.C.C. A marriage to Donna M. Wurster ended in divorce. He married Patricia A. Kilbourn on July 15, 1977. Phil worked for Keller Well Drilling, New York State Department of Corrections, Watertown Daily Times, and Stream Global Services before retiring in 2008. He was a Boy Scout Master, a member of Camp Portaferry Alumni, of the Adams Fire Department, and the South Jefferson Rescue Squad. He was an inspector for the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections and enjoyed computer games, card games, cooking, and watching sports. Phil is survived by his wife, Patricia Bryant, eight children: Sheila (Scott) Weaver of NC, Robert (Michele) Bryant of GA, Bill (Lee) Bryant of SC, Mary (James) Markanich of NY, Robyn (partner Mick Mantle) LaRose of VT, Sam Bryant of NY, Kimberly (Andrew Schunk) Bryant of KY, and Chrystie Kilbourn-Terry of NY, eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and a brother William Pethtel. Donations in memory of Phil may be made to St Hubert's Church Free Community Meals or Save Our Schoolhouse/Adirondack Exhibition Center of Star Lake.