Phyllis Marie (Mele) Petrolito

East Hartford, CT

Sunrise March 23, 1941 ~ Sunset September 16, 2025

Phyllis, 84, was born in Lawrence, MA and moved to Hartford, CT as a child.  She graduated from Bulkeley High School, Hartford, CT in 1958 where she was known as "The Voice" for her beautiful singing voice.  She went on to build a very successful career in Insurance as a Litigation Specialist until her retirement in 2003, but her proudest, and most meaningful role in life was being a devoted Mom and Grammy.  Phyllis loved her Daughters, Brenda and Patti, and her Grandchildren Lisa, Gina, and Anthony beyond measure. 

Phyllis was a "beach bum" at heart, soaking up the sunshine and swimming in the ocean at her favorite places, Salisbury Beach and Cape Cod in Massachusetts.  A lover of life's simple pleasures, she enjoyed sipping her "Cape Codders" while enjoying time with her dear friends, and she was always the life of the party.  She had so much fun belting out her favorite tunes at Karaoke, singing each song so beautifully with confidence and joy.  Everyone who knew her loved her and she gave all of that love right back to everyone.  Phyllis spent her life surrounded by the love and laughter of her family and friends, and will be fondly remembered for her incredible strength, resilience, vibrant spirit, warmth, generosity, and the countless ways she made life brighter for those around her.  Her greatest joy was cooking for those she loved, especially our family's traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinners. 

Phyllis leaves her loving and devoted Daughters and Sons-in-law, Brenda & Peter Marchese and their son, Anthony Peter Marchese with his fiancé Bryanna, Patricia & Shaun Ritchie and their Daughters, Lisa Marie Beaulieu with her fiancé Mike, Gina Marie Ritchie with her partner Ashley, her Niece, Faith McNeil who was like a daughter to her, and extended family and special friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.  

There are no calling hours and burial will be private as this was Phyllis' wish. Donations in her memory can be made to the Protectors of Animals, 144 Main St., Unit O, East Hartford, CT 06118.