Phillip A. Hoops, age 61, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2026, in Swanton, Ohio.
He was born on May 13, 1965, in Bowling Green, Ohio, to the late Frederick and Marie (Schuette) Hoops.
Phil graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1983, where he played defense for the varsity Bobcat hockey team. Known for delivering some memorable big hits on the ice, Phil approached the sport with grit and enthusiasm. During high school he also ran cross country and served as president of the French Club.
Phil went on to graduate from the University of Toledo cum laude, earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He later continued his education by obtaining his Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential, combining his passion for learning with his desire to care for others.
Phil dedicated his career to serving the people of Ohio. He began working at a young age in group homes, where he developed a deep commitment to helping others. Over the years, he served in a variety of roles with the State of Ohio, including more than 15 years with the Ohio Department of Mental Health. Phil will be remembered for his caring heart.
Outside of work, Phil was an avid music fan, especially of The Beatles and the Grateful Dead. He attended many Grateful Dead shows over the years and cherished the community and joy that came with them. He also enjoyed playing poker with a regular group of friends. He also enjoyed watching hockey and was a big fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes.
As a child, Phil loved family camping trips to Pokagon State Park in Indiana and Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan — places that remained special to him throughout his life. He treasured time spent with his nephews and niece and always looked forward to family gatherings during the holidays. Phil had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making others laugh, a quality that endeared him to everyone who knew him.
Phil is survived by his brothers, Dave Hoops of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Stephen (Amy) Hoops of Lima, Ohio; and by his beloved nephews and niece: Collin Hoops of Bowling Green, OH; Katie Hoops of Upper Arlington, OH; Britton McMullen of Cincinnati, OH; Connor Hoops of Lima, OH; and Matthew Hoops of Lima, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation for Phil will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio, at 408 W. Wooster St.
Interment will be held privately with the family at Oak Grove Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence or share a fond memory with the Hoops family, please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
