Phyllis Renella

Upon graduation from Nyack (NY) High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Joe Renella who preceded her in death in 2006. They were happily married for 53 years.

Phyllis and Joe loved to travel, having visited Italy many times, Germany, Puerto Rico, Australia, Costa Rica, Alaska, California, Florida and many Caribbean Islands and National Parks.

After raising her three children Phyllis worked in customer service and administration for several companies, retiring in 1995. She and Joe then moved to Cape Carteret, North Carolina, where they enjoyed a life of boating, fishing and travel. While continuing the many close friendships she had from her life in New Jersey and New York, Phyllis made many new friends in Cape Carteret through her involvement in the Italian American Club and the Newcomers Club.

While she enjoyed those friendships tremendously, nothing was more important to her than her family.

Phyllis is survived by her three children: Joe Renella of Metuchen, NJ, John (Denise Cronin) Renella of Metuchen, NJ, and Kathy Renella of New Bern, NC. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Matthew (Amberlee) Regenthal, Eric Regenthal and Katie Renella. She was also thrilled to welcome her great granddaughter (Palmer Regenthal) to the family in 2023.

She will be remembered as a gracious, humble and generous soul by those who had the good fortune to know her.

A celebration of her life will be scheduled in the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family offers that anyone wishing to honor her life can make a donation to Hope Mission of Carteret County or to The Hem of His Garment in Swansboro NC.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Phyllis Renella.