Phyllis Mary (Vassallo) Patz, 87, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born March 6, 1937, to the late Philip and Concetta Vassallo, she lived in Newington her entire life. Phyllis was predeceased by her beloved husband Edward Patz. Phyllis met the love of her life, Eddie, in the fourth grade. They had been married for sixty-five years. Phyllis graduated from Newington High School in 1955. She went on to attend the Boston School of Dental Nursing and spent her career working in Newington Center with Dr. Stephen Rosof, Dr. Christopher May, and Dr. Walter Leckowicz.

Phyllis and Eddie were avid travelers, making friends all over the world. For over 30 years, she and Eddie most especially loved to travel to St. Maarten, as they considered it their second home. She could be seen crocheting everywhere they were! She made prayer shawls for the Donate Life Foundation to share with patients. Phyllis was a cheerleading coach at Newington High School and Holy Spirit Church for the CYO league. She was also always in the food booths volunteering for little league or midget football. She volunteered with the Girl Scouts as a leader, the Newington Public Schools PTO, the Holy Spirit Ladies Guild, Newington Jr. Women’s Club, and the Mr. & Mrs. Club at Holy Spirit Church. She followed her kids in whatever activity they were pursuing, be it sporting events or the high school musicals. Phyllis was the mom that always had extra children in her home. If she was not cooking and feeding 20 extra people, she was not happy. She enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Lady Huskies. Phyllis had a strong Catholic faith that she was proud to share. She had a Sunday night CYO home study group and there was always a waiting list of young people that wanted to be in this CYO group.

More than anything else, Phyllis was most passionate about her family. She leaves behind, to mourn her loss: her daughter, Kathy Patz Riccio and husband Thomas, of Berlin, CT; her sons, John Patz and wife Lorraine, of Newington, CT, and Richard Patz and wife Diane, of Jupiter, FL; her grandchildren, Kristina Dukette and husband Garrett, of Columbia, CT, Jennifer Pietrasko and husband Kenneth, of Newington, CT, Joseph Patz Vineyard and husband Jesse, of New York, NY, Colleen Hockenberry and husband Jordan, of Parish, FL, Mia and Cassidy Patz, of Orlando, FL; and her six great-grandchildren, Philip and Nicholas Dukette, Adelin Pietrasko, and Paislee, Jayden and Mason Hockenberry. Phyllis was one of four girls. She leaves behind her sisters, Pauline Patz and Lucille Vassallo, of Newington, CT and Diane Hart and husband George, of Westfield, MA; her sister-in-law, Alice Patz, of Newington, CT; and her sweet pup, Sofia. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and her devoted cousin, Louann Vassallo. Besides her husband Eddie, Phyllis was predeceased by her beloved grandson, EJ Patz.

Phyllis was a dedicated friend, neighbor, and volunteer. She will be missed by many, especially her bingo buddies at Cedar Mountain Commons and her many dear old friends, especially Maureen R., Maureen S., Pat, and the Hickory Hill crew. The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Mountain Commons for making her time there special. They would also like to thank the staff at HOCC 5C for the amazing care she received during her short illness.

Family and friends may call, Sunday, March 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 11, at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church Street, Newington. The family requests that everyone meet directly at the church. Phyllis will be lovingly laid to rest at West Meadow Cemetery in Newington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phyllis’ honor to the Newington Volunteer Fire Department, NVFD, 1485 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com