Phyllis A. Giannelli, age 73, of Wallingford, CT, formerly of North Branford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on June 9 at Yale-New Haven Hospital after a brief illness. Born on May 30, 1939 in New Haven, CT. She was the daughter of the late James Zuppe and Sophie Schmidt Zuppe, Phyllis was predeceased by her loving and devoted son Stephen A. Giannelli, Jr. Phyllis grew up in New Haven until moving to North Branford where she lived for much of her life surrounded by caring neighbors. While there she worked at the Started Company for 23 years. She was also a North Branford High School Cafeteria Staff member for many years. Irrespective of other pursuits, Phyllis’ main focus was the love of her family and making a happy and nurturing home for them with her wonderful cooking skills. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years Stephen A. Giannelli, devoted daughter, Cathy A. Giannelli, brother James Zuppe, Jr., of West Haven, sisters Frances McCann of Tampa, Florida, Margret Delfranco of New Haven and loving nieces and nephews. Also survived by lifelong friends Sonny and Ann Ferraiolo. Predeceased by sisters Rose Zambrano and her husband Bernard, Catherine Seales and her husband Bill and Dorothy Hansen and brother John Gasser. She will also be greatly missed by the two children she was a nanny to for over 17 years, Evangalese and Michael Calamita of Northford, CT.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Monday morning at 10:30. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Monday morning from 8:30 to 10:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, North Branford at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in the All Saints Cemetery.