Patricia Gill Distasio

Ordained in 1975, Reverend Patricia Gill-DiStasio was among the first women ordained in the Episcopal Church, courageously helping to pave the way for future generations of women in ministry. Her calling was rooted in love, service, inclusion, and community, and she carried those values with grace throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her former spouse, John DiStasio, who remained a cherished friend and companion through life’s journey. Together they raised six beloved children: Deborah Nelson (Lloyd), John F. DiStasio, Edwin C. DiStasio, Michelle DiStasio (Ronnie), Dominick DiStasio (Michelle), and Tricia Olszewski (Ron). She was a devoted Oma and Grandma to 20 adored grandchildren. A proud great-grandmother of 22, and Great Great grandmother to one.

Patricia’s greatest joy was her family. She was the kind of grandmother who eagerly got down on the floor to play with the children, building blocks, playing with trains, Competitive skip- bo, creating art, and filling every moment with warmth, laughter, and imagination. Her home and heart were always open.

A woman of extraordinary talent and creativity, Patricia was a skilled belly dancer, tai chi instructor, watercolor artist, and stained-glass maker. She loved gardening, spending peaceful days at the beach, and finding solace by the ocean. Adventurous in spirit, she once hiked the Greenbelt Trail with a group of nuns — one of many stories that reflected her curiosity, warmth, and zest for life.

Reverend Patricia Gill-DiStasio lived a life rich with faith, family, friendship, creativity, and community. Her legacy will continue through the countless lives she inspired, the family she treasured, and the love she so freely gave.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held at D'Andrea Bros.Funeral Home, 99 Oak Street, Copiague, NY 11726, US, on June 3, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again on June 3, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.