It is with great sadness we share that ABR's Phil Stever has passed during the night of April 29th, 2023. We are all at a loss at his passing, as Phil was a true force of nature and pillar of ABR Wholesalers. When he entered the room, you knew it. He was a big man, with a booming voice and he commanded your attention. Phil was a go-getter, always working long hours and he never expected more of people, than he was willing to give of himself.

     Phil joined ABR on April 1, 1986. He only had a couple of jobs before joining our team. While going to college, he worked several years at Monroe Piping and Sheet Metal. He started out as their Assistant Shop Foreman and then he later did Rotary Fan Balancing. Phil got his start as a salesman at Curtis Associates, where he sold fasteners.

     He met Jim Monaco, Sr. at a local bar called Lynam's, which was a regular hangout for the both of them. They struck up numerous conversations at the bar. Jim found Phil to be a personable young man, and thought that he might be a great addition to ABR's sales force, and Phil agreed. He started as a Outside Sales Rep. joining Jim Monaco Sr., Rex Whiteford, and Guy Ward in the Sales Department. Phil worked hard to get sales and to gain new customers for ABR. He was rarely in the office, and was always out in the field. Phil brought numerous new accounts to ABR. He was a believer in Saint Rita, the patron saint of impossible causes. He believed that nothing was impossible, and he was the best salesman because of it.

     One thing Phil loved was hunting. It was a time of bonding with his Dad and his brothers. It was one of the few times that he allowed himself to relax. Many hunting seasons would close with him only getting a small doe, or nothing at all, but Phil never gave up. He always hoped to get that large buck, and put its antlers up on his wall. Phil also enjoyed his family's annual trip to Maine each July, as family time was very important to him. Those who knew Phil well, knew that he had a softer side as well. He was there when you needed him and he was loyal to a fault. He had a giggle that didn't quite match the rest of him, but he was a great listener, and gave some of the best advice. If Phil considered you a friend, you were indeed blessed.

 

     Phil leaves behind his wife, Mary, they were happily married for nearly 34 years. Phil, despite all his great accomplishments was most proud of his son, Phillip and his daughter, Elizabeth, who he also leaves behind. Phil is survived by his Mom and Dad. He was a devoted son, calling his parents daily to check on them, and would bring them meals each Sunday. Phil is also survived by his brothers and sisters; John, Lynn, Doug, Barb, and Brad, and their families.

 

Phil will be greatly missed by his family, as well as his friends and colleagues here at ABR.

 

Rest in peace, Phil. We love you forever. 

 

 

Written by Pauline Muehleisen