Phyllis Elizabeth DiAmbrosio

Dr. Phyllis E. DiAmbrosio, 76 of Emerson, NJ passed peacefully at home on May 23rd. Phyllis was born on August 22nd, 1944 in Casper, Wyoming to Elizabeth and Frank Antonicelli. After returning to Jersey City at 6 months old, she was then raised in Hackensack where she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Alphonse (Chick) DiAmbrosio. Phyllis and Chick were married on December 4th, 1965 and lived in true partnership for more than 55 years. Next to raising her three precious children, her pursuit of higher education was one of Phyllis’ most prideful accomplishments. She began her bachelor’s degree when she was 36 years old at Ramapo College and went on to receive her doctoral degree in psychology 11 years later from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Phyllis is a graduate and past director of admissions of the National Institute for the Psychotherapists’ National Training Program in New York where she supervised clinical students. She enjoyed a 30 year career as Senior Staff Psychologist at the Bronx VA medical center where she worked in the spinal cord injury unit providing life changing support for veterans. In addition, she sustained a thriving private practice in Westwood. Her many professional accomplishments include published articles for the International Journal of Psychoanalytic Self Psychology (Weeble Wobbles: Resilience Within the Psychoanalytic Situation).

Dr. DiAmbrosio presented at many conferences including international presentations and was affiliated with several professional associations including NJNCAP, IAPSP, NJPA, and NIP. In 2001, Phyllis was honored as a “Woman of Distinction'' by her alma mater, Immaculate Conception High school. Phyllis’ passions did not end with her profession. She devoured books, had a love of traveling, and found joy in cooking; especially when it was with her family. Phyllis found joy in the details. Whether it was creating a menu for a holiday, or an itinerary for a day trip with one of her grandchildren, it was all done with love and passion. Phyllis didn’t just love unicorns, she was one. She was a unique, bright light who changed the lives of so many.

She is predeceased by her sisters Elizabeth Vecchione and Carlene Zink. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband, Alphonse (Chick), her sons; Anthony (Christine), Joe (Diane), Daughter; Gina (Frank Celli), grandchildren: Nicholas, Angelo, Christopher, Harrison, Francesca, Theodore, and Charlie, sisters; Francine and Michelle (Joseph Schettino) and several beloved nieces and nephews.

All Services will be held at Becker Funeral Home at 219 Kinderkamack Rd. Westwood, NJ. Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 26th from 4-9pm. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 27th at 10am at the funeral home.. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital.