Phyllis Olga Gigante-Chong

Born into a US military family, Phyllis experienced numerous moves across the US and Europe during her early years. She was born in Germany in 1948, graduated from high school in Vicenza, Italy, and went to twelve different schools in the United States during her K-12 years. An excellent student, Phyllis attended the prestigious Tufts University in Boston where she received a degree in Psychology. She went on to receive a Master’s in Counseling from St. Mary’s in South Bend, Indiana. Phyllis became a commissioned officer in the US Army, receiving special commendation as a sharp-shooter, attending the Command and General Staff College, reaching the rank of Major, and eventually retiring from the Army Reserves. After leaving the military, she moved to South Korea, where she served as a top administrator of the American Red Cross in South Korea.

Throughout her life, she retained a love for all things Korean, including its art, food, culture and people. In her free time, Phyllis enjoyed artistic hobbies such as weaving, knitting and quilting. She was also an avid reader who enjoyed sci-fi and mystery novels.

Phyllis dearly loved her two children and her two dogs. She is survived by her son David Chong, her daughter Maria Chong, her sisters Beth Gigante Klingenstein (Kal), Laura Gigante Luft (Rene), Julie Gigante Rizzo (Tom) and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Olga Gigante, and her sister Donna Honsinger.

Funeral arrangements will be made through Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA. She will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the Gigante-Chong family.