SHARON, PA – Philip B. Roland, affectionately known to so many as “Pastor Phil,” 85, was called home into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, October 16, 2026, at UPMC Jameson Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.

Pastor Phil was born on July 8, 1941, in Greenville, Texas, a son of the late Vernon Odell and Doris Madeline Cox Roland.

A man of unwavering faith, a compassionate heart, and a lifelong calling to serve others, Pastor Phil devoted his life to sharing the love of Jesus and bringing comfort, hope, and encouragement to those around him.

He graduated from Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California in 1959 and continued his education at Melodyland School of Theology in Anaheim, California, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology in 1976. His passion for helping others led him to Ashland Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Arts and Pastoral Psychology and Counseling in 1986.

Throughout his life, Pastor Phil faithfully answered God's call to minister to others. Alongside his beloved wife, Lois, he founded Sheepfold Ministries and its food pantry in Sharon, Pennsylvania, where they dedicated themselves to helping those in need, feeding the hungry and sharing God's love through both words and actions.

Since 1991, Pastor Phil had also served as a beloved grief counselor at Kelley-Cummins Funeral Home. For more than three decades, he walked alongside countless families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, offering gentle guidance, heartfelt prayers, and the comforting assurance of God's promises. His compassion, wisdom, and ability to bring peace to grieving hearts were truly special gifts that touched countless lives.

Earlier in his ministry, Pastor Phil served at Hartford Community Church in Hartford, Ohio and then at the Shepherd of Love Church in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, a calling that brought him and his family to the Ohio-Pennsylvania area. Whether standing behind a pulpit, counseling someone through heartache, or simply lending a listening ear, Pastor Phil never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel and remind others of the love of Jesus.

While his ministry was a tremendous part of his life, Pastor Phil also knew the importance of enjoying God's many blessings. He loved fishing, boating, gardening, and spending time outdoors. A true “fisher of men,” he found joy not only in catching fish but also in reaching hearts for Christ. Some of his favorite times were the fishing picnics he affectionately called “fishnics,” held several times a year at Baker's Point on Pymatuning Lake. These gatherings brought together his love of fishing, fellowship, laughter, and making memories with those he cherished.

Pastor Phil also had a wonderful sense of humor, especially when it came to his wife Lois's cats. Although he may have only tolerated their presence, he did so lovingly because of how much he adored his wife.

A gifted writer and storyteller, Pastor Phil shared his faith, experiences, and wisdom through several books, including They Shall Be Comforted, The Trumpet Call of Unity, and Confessions of a Printer's Devil – Phil's Story. Through his written words, just as through his ministry, he hoped to inspire, encourage, and make a difference in the lives of others.

On June 23, 1962, Phil married the love of his life, the former Lois Anita Harvey. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, love, and service to others. Their marriage of more than 64 years was a testament to their devotion to one another. Through life's many blessings and challenges, they stood side by side, creating a lifetime of treasured memories with their children and grandchildren.

Pastor Phil leaves behind his loving wife, Lois; his son, Larry (Gayle) Roland of New Middletown; two daughters, Barbara (Bridget Febus) Roland of Blacklick, Ohio and Lisa Sollenberger of Sharon, Pennsylvania; two brothers, Don (Kathy) Roland of Annapolis, Maryland, and Terry (Melinda Ko) Roland of Corona, California; a sister, Carolyn Triano of Rio Linda, California; and three cherished grandchildren, John Roland, Jessica Roland, and Hope Sollenberger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth Roland; and his brother-in-law, Ron Triano.

Pastor Phil's earthly journey may have come to an end, but the seeds of faith, kindness, and compassion he planted throughout his lifetime will continue to grow in the countless hearts he touched. He lived his life as a faithful servant of the Lord, and his family finds comfort in knowing that he has now heard the words he spent his life striving toward: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Kelley-Cummins Funeral Home, 709 N. Main St., Hubbard, Ohio 44425. A funeral service celebrating Pastor Phil's life and faith will follow at 6:00 PM at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Rob McFarland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pastor Phil's memory to Sheepfold Ministries, 233 N. Irvine Ave., Sharon, PA 16146, allowing his legacy of helping others to continue.

Please visit www.kcummins.com to view this obituary, offer condolences and share cherished memories. 

Though Pastor Phil will be deeply missed here on earth, his family and friends rejoice in the promise that he is now home with the Savior he loved, served, and faithfully shared with the world.