Phyllis Basto, 88, passed away in Freehold, NJ on September 24th, 2021. Born to Anthony Petonella and Raffaella Gioseffi in Newark, NJ. She was lovingly raised by Gerlanda Petronella. She met her husband at work and they married in 1958 and raised their children in Westfield, NJ.
Phyllis worked as a secretary for The Edison Intermediate School in Westfield for many years. She loved interacting with the students and she enjoyed many laughs with her colleagues.
She raised her three children Palma, Jerry and Patty in a loving home where she welcomed their many friends and loved cooking delicious meals for anyone who came for a visit. Phyllis loved nothing more than her family. Sunday dinners were an event. Phyllis was an amazing cook. The family favorites were her homemade manicotti and macaroni and meatballs in gravy.
Phyllis enjoyed cruising and taking trips with her children and grandchildren. Watching game shows, playing along with the contestants and eating ice cream with them nightly was a nightly occurrence. She also loved playing games and cards with friends and family. Her favorite crafts were crocheting and counted-cross stitch. She made so many beautiful creations for her family. She enjoyed playing tennis and could compete with the best!
Phyllis Basto is predeceased by her husband, Anthony Joseph of 36 years. Theirs was a beautiful love story.
She is survived by her children, Palma Lewis (Tim), Jerry Basto (Dianne) and Patty Butkoff (Paul), her grandchildren Shanna Dooley (Michael), Brittany Vella, Alexa Vella, Natassia Morgan (Blake), Katrina Basto, Brianna Butkoff and her great-granddaughter Gianna Dooley.
Extended family and friends may gather at The Dooley Colonial Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 29th. A Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church on Thursday, September 30th at 10:30 a.m.. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phyllis Basto’s name to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. All donations go directly towards research.