Filomena Natale Pasquarelli

Filomena Agatha Natale Pasquarelli was born on December 17, 1916 in Providence, Rhode Island to Emidio and Lucia (Olivo) Natale, the oldest of their three children. She was the much-loved granddaughter of Vincenzo and Concetta Olivo and Tomasso and Filomena Natale. Phyllis, as she was called from birth, was a graduate of Central High School in Providence; and later graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston as a proud and loyal member of the Class of 1939. She used her education as a Political Science/Social Science major to become a professional Social Worker in the city of Bristol, RI. Having secured the job, she then acquired a car and learned to drive within two days.

Phyllis soon met the love of her life Michael (“Mike“) Pasquarelli, an active member of the Bristol Town Council and native son. At the beginning of World War II, Mike enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was sent to serve in England. The war separated them for three and a half years during which time they corresponded daily by “V-mail.” The war seemed endless and when Mike had a two-week furlough, they married on July 14, 1945 at St. Ann’s Church in Providence.

Phyllis and Mike raised and dearly loved three wonderful children, Phyllis, Michael, Jr., and William (“Bill”), of whom they were extremely proud and to whom they were totally devoted. For many years, the family lived on Meridian Street in Providence where they were active members of St. Augustine’s Church. While Mike served as a longtime Special Agent for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Phyllis was a homemaker and an active member in several parish organizations. She was also active in the Emmanuel College Alumni Association and was a Cub Scout Den Mother.

In 1977, Phyllis and Mike moved to Hemet, the town in southern California where their daughter Phyllis and her husband Dr. John Emmel had lived since 1975. They initially became active members of Our Lady of the Valley Church and later of Holy Spirit Church. Phyllis was a member of many organizations, including the Columbiettes, the Catholic Daughters, the Italian Catholic Federation, the VFW, and the Hemet Women’s Club. She loved travel, cooking and spending time with her family.

For Phyllis and Mike, their greatest joy was time spent with their extended families, Phyllis and her husband, the late John Emmel, their son Travis and daughter Alexis (and her husband Ron Palmeri); Michael and his wife Nancy Pasquarelli, their daughter Heather Anderson (and her husband Kole) and son Michael (and his wife Maddy); and Bill Pasquarelli and his daughter Sarah.

In recent years, Phyllis became the proud and loving Great Grandmother of Harlowe and Henry (Alexis and Ron’s children) and Jake, Noah, Brooklynn and Rylie (Heather and Kole’s children), who brought her happiness beyond description.

Phyllis’ beloved husband Mike died in 1995 and is buried in Riverside (CA) National Cemetery. Phyllis continued to live in Hemet near Phyllis and John and their two children as well as her son Bill.

Phyllis was a woman who for all her life was faithful to her Lord, her Italian heritage, her country and her family. She was a genuine role model to her immediate and extended family, her many friends and neighbors, and to all who came to know this wise and fun-loving lady. While she will be terribly missed, her memory will live on warmly and wonderfully in the hearts of all who knew her.

Phyllis passed away gently in her sleep at the age of 108 on her favorite day of the year, Christmas Eve, 2024. A funeral Mass in her honor will be said at Holy Spirit Church on Saturday, January 18th at 11:00 AM. All who knew her are welcome to attend. Phyllis will be buried alongside her husband Mike in the Riverside (CA) National Cemetery. If ever there was a woman who loved and was so loved in return, it was Phyllis Agatha Natale Pasquarelli! Her presence will make the Angels smile. Rest in Peace, Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that those wishing to make a donation in Phyllis’ memory, do so to the charity of their own personal choosing.