Phyllis Marie Altomare

Phyllis Altomare, died recently at the age of ninety-seven. She was a woman of great energy, talent, and goodwill. Phyllis was a devoted wife to Carl, the loving mother of five children, a respected high-school science teacher and a faithful Catholic. Born in Staten Island, NY, in 1928, Phyllis grew up in a rollicking Italian American family. Her father Carlo was a construction contractor, and her mother Petrina was a seamstress. Phyllis is the last of her six siblings to pass away.

After earning her Master’s in Chemistry at NYU, Phyllis taught high school for many years in Staten Island and here in the San Diego area. She and her husband Carl moved west in the 1980s and enjoyed their homes in Bonita, Chula Vista and Mission Hills, California. Sadly, Carl Altomare died of cancer in 1987.

After retiring from teaching, Phyllis embraced her many interests. She toured Europe with her sister-in-law, Fran. She traveled to Colorado, Florida and the Jersey shore with her sisters Mae and Rosalie. She enjoyed babysitting her grands and making art fun with them. She taught after-school catechism and delivered Holy Communion to the sick. Best of all, Phyllis loved to paint with oils, acrylics, and pastels. She was a happy member of two art clubs. For many years, Phyllis was able to exhibit her work at the Del Mar Fair where she won first place for one of her paintings, and the Spanish Village Art Center of Balboa Park.

In her late eighties, Phyllis moved to Nazareth House and was well-cared for until her passing. Her five children Amy (Tom), Steven (Alice), Peter (Lynn), Carl (Liz), & John (Sharie) miss her greatly as do her ten grandchildren (Joanne, Brian, Suzie, Steven, Frank, Edith, Daniel, Andrew, Carla & Ian) and two great grandchildren (Addie-Ann & James), plus many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A Mass in celebration of her life will take place at Immaculate Conception Church in Old Town, SD, on July 10th. Please see details below.