Beloved Crossing Guard Retired At 85 After Years Of Service

Pleasanton, California — Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Pleasanton is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.

From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schools. To recognize their many contributions — big and small — Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to salute the unsung heroes of back-to-school.

This submission comes from Julie Phillips, who nominated Robert (Bob) Phillips of Vintage Hills School.

What is the school hero’s name?

Robert (Bob) Phillips

Where does this school hero work?

Vintage Hills School

Please describe why this individual is a hero at your school.

Bob has been a crossing guard for Vintage Hills School for 15 years. Before that he was a substitute for the schools in Pleasanton. He loved seeing the children come to school in the mornings and always had a big smile for them and a cheery welcome. The children and parents just loved him. They were very good to him. Many times making sure he had water, and different comforts like hand warmers for the winter, etc.. He would receive many heart warming notes from the children and parents, thanking him for always being there and making sure they were safe. He always showed the children that they were important to him by his actions, smiling, talking to them, asking how there day went, etc. He called them his kids! He loved them and was good to them. He has stackes of hand written notes telling him that he is the best crossing guard ever! He recently has retired, age 85, and really misses the kids and families. He is still getting notes of thank you's and appreciation and wishes for a great retirement! The notes the children write to him are priceless!! He served the children for 18 years total and loved his job! He deserves to be recognized. Thank you.

How do you know the school hero you’re nominating?

He is my husband for 63 years

What should your community know about this person?

He is a retired veteran of 28 years. He has been married to his wife for 63 years and lives with her in Pleasanton for 53 years in the same house, original owners. He has four daughters and 13 grandchild and almost 12 great grandchild. He is a good man and everyone loves him. He still rides a big Harley Davidson motorcycle around town and a lot of people know him in Pleasanton. He wears his veteran hat proudly everywhere he goes. He misses his job being a crossing guard in Pleasanton, Vintage Hills Elementary School, but he has great memories, notes of thank you, etc., and some photos. He still gets high school and college graduation announcements with photos from some of the kids that he crossed when they attended Vintage Hills School, and Christmas wishes from them even though it has been many years since they graduated from Vintage Hills School in Pleasanton and now live in other states. He treats people with respect and kindness.

What three words best describe the school hero?

Integrity, Respectful and Kind.

If you know a school hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.