PHELPS, ROBERT MICHAEL

 September 21, 1953 - October 17, 2025 

Age 72 of the City of Tonawanda. Husband of 34 years to Kimberly (nee Burke) Phelps, father of Corinne (late Scott) Skeels and Diana Schmidt, step-father of Ryan Schmidt, Lana Robinson and Heather Schmidt, 13 grandchildren, son of the late Robert Earl and Anita Phelps, brother of Kathryn Rogers and the late Gary, Bill and Tim Phelps. Also nieces, nephews and cousins. A lifelong drummer with an unmistakable style. Mike's music career spanned more than five decades. He recorded on over 40 albums, performed with countless bands across the country and toured overseas, always bringing passion and heart to every performance. In 2017, he was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, a well-earned honor for a lifetime dedicated to his craft. Though his talent and accomplishments earned him wide respect, Mike was never one to seek the Spotlight. He remained a low-key, down-to-earth guy. He stayed true to who he was humble, warm and quietly present. It isn't just the music they'll remember, but the man behind the drums. Other than his deep love for music, he enjoyed camping and antiquing with his wife, cooking, movies and had a lifelong passion for aviation. Every summer, he looked forward to attending air shows, a tradition he especially loved sharing with his daughters. He could identify every plane in the sky and took joy in quizzing them on each one as they passed overhead turning those moments into cherished memories. Mike's beat lives on not only in the recordings he left behind, but in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to know him and experience his music. His legacy continues through his grandson, who proudly follows in his footsteps as a drummer. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday November 30, 2025 from 12:00 -3:00 PM at Sportsmen's Tavern, 326 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14207. Friends, family and fellow musicians are welcome to attend and pay their respects. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.ROTHFUNERAL.com.