Robert Spiro Philis of Manteca, CA, born August 3, 1934, passed away July 12, 2025, after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. 

   Robert was born in Sacramento, CA; later moving with his parents to Hayward, CA. After graduating from Hayward High, Robert joined the Seabees Naval Reserve, serving three years in Alaska and Guam. Later, Robert and his brother, Thomas opened the Robert Thomas Photography Studio in Pleasanton, CA, where he became a well-known, award-winning professional photographer for 34 years. He also served as President of Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area.      

   Retiring to Twain Harte, he opened the Harte Dog Cafe, and eventually moving to the Del Webb Community in Manteca, where he met his partner, Harleene Bebout in 2011. 

   He is survived by his brother; Tom Philis of Reno, his sisters, Frosa Christopher of San Leandro and Diane Balloue of Hayward, his three children; Laurie Buettner of Occidental, Randy Merwin of Pleasanton, and Cindy Merwin of Hayward, also six grandchildren, Logan, Jac, Nolan, Travis Roth, Payton Merwin, and Isaac Williams, along with nine great-grandchildren all of Livermore and Pleasanton, and several nieces and nephews. 

   Robert enjoyed a full life traveling, RVing, dancing, football, cards-especially

Pinochle, he started the pickle-ball club in Del Webb, and was a devoted fan of the Raiders.

   Robert’s final resting place is in the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella, CA.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, August 9, 2025