Phyllis Russo DiMaria

On 12, January, 2022, Phyllis Russo DiMaria passed away. She was the daughter of the late Anthony J. and Josephine (Tomasi) Russo of Providence. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Joseph P. DiMaria, daughter-in-law Erin DiMaria, and her grandsons Shane and Seth DiMaria of Riverside. She was predeceased by her son Stephen J. DiMaria. She leaves a sister Patricia R. Pella and her husband Peter A. Pella of California. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Rosemary DiMaria of Melbourne, Florida. She was the sister of the late Paul A. Russo, PhD. Phyllis is survived by many loving nieces and nephews. She took the utmost pride in them and their countless personal accomplishments.

After graduating from Classical High School in 1963, she went on to study at the University of Rhode Island, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She graduated from URI in 1967 and completed her graduate studies at Rhode Island College while assuming her career in teaching at Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School in Providence. After her retirement from full-time employment in 1995, Phyllis continued her teaching career on a part-time basis for thirteen years at the Roger Williams Day Care Center in Providence.

Phyllis was a devoted & loving mother-in-law and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with Erin, Shane and Seth. She referred to them as her son’s legacy to her, and always sought to provide her family with health, love, and opportunity. She enjoyed traveling and exploring different cultures with her husband throughout the United States and the world.

Phyllis’ caring nature made it easy for her to develop friendships. She was interested in others’ needs as well as accomplishments. Her eagerness to celebrate the success of others accompanied by her equal eagerness to provide comfort to those in need made her a valuable friend and family member. She always found the good in people and always provided assistance to others in times of trouble. Evidence of her commitment to others is demonstrated in her many life-long friendships—some of which date back to grade school. In addition to her family, she will be especially missed by Joanne Hirsch, Paula Proulx, Diane Goolgasian, Cheryl Toolan, Karen Kostegan, and Henry Gambadella.

Phyllis’ family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff, nurses, and doctors of Miriam Hospital’s Special Care Unit and Intensive Care Unit. Donations to Miriam Hospital can be made in her name.

Her visitation will be Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM in St. Mary's Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private.