Todd J. Phillips

Todd J. Phillips, 44, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, September 26, 2026, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by the love and support of his devoted family, who always remained at his side.

Born in Herkimer on October 11, 1981, Todd is the son of Robert D. Phillips and Valerie A. (Spellicy) Strife. He was raised and educated in Mohawk and graduated with the Mohican Class of 1999. After a brief stint at SUNY Cortland (where Todd admittedly overindulged and underperformed) he continued his education at SUNY Cobleskill, eventually earning a Master’s Degree.

On May 30, 2015, Todd married Alaina M. Valeriano. Together, they shared a marriage filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. They balanced each other well and stood by one another through the good times and the difficult ones. Their partnership was rooted in a deep love for one another and their family, and Alaina remained steadfastly by Todd’s side throughout his illness.

Todd lived in Texas, Nantucket, and Syracuse before ultimately finding his way back home to the Mohawk Valley. He spent his professional career with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, recently holding the position of Deputy Regional Permit Administrator in the Region 6 Division of Environmental Permits; working until his health no longer allowed him to do so. 

Todd was, in many ways, an old-school kind of man. He believed in family, faith, hard work, personal responsibility, and doing things the right way. He appreciated the simple, wholesome things in life and never needed much pretense or fuss. Practical, good-natured, and grounded, he had a straightforward way of looking at the world and a deep appreciation for the values he was raised with. He believed that family came first, that a handshake meant something, that you worked for what you had, and that there was always time to lend a hand or share a laugh.

Todd had a sharp mind, a curious spirit, and a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and especially cherished the time spent with his group of guys from the “Shooters Bow Club.” Even more meaningful were the countless days he spent in the woods with his sons, teaching them what he knew and sharing with them the traditions and knowledge he loved so much.

He was equally passionate about coaching. Todd proudly coached his sons and their friends in football and baseball and was actively involved with Mohawk’s Pop Warner program. He had a way of teaching not only the game, but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and camaraderie. He also instilled in his boys his love of the Miami Dolphins.

A skilled craftsman, Todd took tremendous pride in building a home for his family alongside his father, who was a constant source of support, guidance, and strength throughout his life. That home was more than a structure—it was a reflection of Todd’s dedication to his family and the life they built together.

Todd’s faith in God was strong and unwavering, even throughout his illness. The Lord was his strength and his refuge, and his family takes comfort in knowing that Todd is now at peace in His heavenly kingdom, where there is no more pain.

Above all else, Todd loved being surrounded by family and friends. He loved to host, and anyone fortunate enough to gather around his table knew they were in for a good time—and an incredible meal. He was an absolutely phenomenal cook, particularly when he had the smoker fired up. His generosity, humor, and ability to bring people together will be deeply missed.

Todd was also a true “Duck Nerd” and proudly served as president of the Ducks Unlimited Herkimer Chapter. He served on the board of the Amazing Gracie’s Gift Foundation and was a member of the Sons of the Mohawk American Legion.

He treasured the brotherhood he shared with his lifelong friends, especially the friendships that endured through the years and brought them together for their annual Lake Placid trips. Those friendships were a testament to the loyalty and love Todd gave so freely to the people in his life.

Todd leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, friendship, service, and family. He will be remembered for his quick mind, generous heart, good nature, sense of humor, love of the outdoors, passion for coaching, incredible cooking, strong convictions, and—most of all—the way he made the people around him feel loved and welcomed.

Though his time was far too short, Todd lived a life rich with family, friendships, faith, traditions, and memories that will be carried forward by all who knew and loved him. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is at peace, and that the lessons, laughter, traditions, and love he gave them will remain long after his passing.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Alaina; his sons, Levi and Silas; his parents, Valerie and Jeffrey Strife and Robert and Susan Phillips; his siblings, Amanda and Matthew Gallina, Spencer Strife and David and Joanne Moynihan; his in-laws, Alfred and Angela Valeriano and Aleese Valeriano and Tanner Metoyer; his nieces and nephews, Joshua (Ashley) Moynihan, Nicole and Deown Hoag, Lucas and Mackenzie Gallina and Mariana and Roman Valeriano; one great-niece, Nora Moynihan; many aunts, uncles, cousins and cherished relationships, including the Mohican Placid Crew. He also leaves behind his beloved comfort canine, Leo.

He was predeceased by his sister, Pamela Moynihan and by his Goddaughter, Gracie Lawton.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 3:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Todd’s Episcopal funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning, October 3, 2026, at 10:00AM at Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk. The service will be celebrated by Fr. Kenneth Hunter and homily given by Rev. Dr. Steven Scarcia. Procession will follow to Mohawk Cemetery where Todd’s earthly remains will be laid to rest.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the Amazing Gracie’s Gift Foundation, PO Box 134, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to the countless family members, friends and community-at-large, for coming together these last seven months to surround Todd with endless support and love. We remember him always, but especially on those Sunday afternoons…Phins Up!