Phillip Smalser

Phillip Smalser, age 76, lifetime resident of Ovid, died at his Gilbert Road home on Saturday, May 9, 2026, following years of ups and downs with his cardiac health.

Phil was born in Seneca Falls on September 6, 1949, a son of the late Robert and Lucille (Cline) Smalser. He was a graduate of Ovid High School and obtained his associates degree at Alfred State. He always worked as an auto mechanic and went on to own the Ovid NAPA, and later worked at its successor, Car Quest.

Phil was a proud supporter of his hometown, serving in the Ovid Fire Department from 1968 to 1992, and now a retired life member; a longtime member of the Ovid-Willard Lions Club, earning the distinction of Melvin Jones Fellow for his dedication and service to the community; an original EMT of the South Seneca Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps and was elected to serve as an Ovid Village Trustee.

Phil was a lifelong mechanic, extending the life of anything with an engine well beyond what it should have been capable of, which naturally, led to a passion for NASCAR. His demeanor was predictable; steady, quiet, a few well-chosen words, praise when earned and a love for his family that was shown through his beaming smile at their successes, large or small.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Priscilla, they were married on May 22, 1971; his children, Rob (Mary Jo Clavin) of Monson, Massachusetts and Carrie Smalser of Ovid, and his grandson who referred to Phil as “Buddy”, Tom Smalser of Ovid; a brother, John of Wyalusing, PA and the Carpenter family of Willard who he held close to his heart as his own, John and Kay and “his” girls, Brooke, Heather and Kristen; his brothers in law, James (Trish O’Kane) and Douglas (Melody) Carrier and many nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd and sister, Patricia.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 11:00 to Noon at Ovid Federated Church, followed by a service to honor a life well lived at Noon. Interment will be held privately by the family at Ovid Union Cemetery. Kindly consider a donation in Phil’s memory to the Ovid Union Cemetery PO Box 175, or the Ovid-Willard Lions Club, PO Box C, Ovid, NY 14521.