Phyllis Landolfi Marino,75, of East Haven, formerly of Grafton Street, New Haven, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at the CT Hospice, Branford with her family by her side. She was wife of the late Pasquale G. Marino. Phyllis was born in New Haven on February 23, 1937; daughter of the late Peter Landolfi and Alice Piscopo Landolfi Saccavino. Phyllis had worked for Arthur T. Barberi Insurance; the Machinists Union and later for Livable Cities Initiative for the City of New Haven. She was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee and was a co-ward chairman in the City of New Haven. Also known as Politics Phyllis, she made countless friends; was an effective mentor to countless young people; was an organizer extraordinaire; ran local headquarters and countless elections and she never overlooked anyone, taking care of the candidate and the poll worker alike. A lifelong Democrat, enjoyed going to the casino, was a devote New York Yankees fan, truly enjoyed her Brazo’s Cottage Association family and was one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet with a heart of gold; she will truly be missed. Mother of Andrea Marino of Branford, NHPD Sgt. Pasquale J. Marino and his wife Pam of New Haven. Grandmother of Gennaro John Marino. Predeceased by her sister Catherine Battista.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 9:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church, North Haven at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
Almost every wonderful childhood memory I have involves Phyllis, Pat, Pat Jr, Andrea and their house in Fair Haven. She was my mother’s best friend and like a second mother to me. She was an amazing woman and so funny. It was impossible not to love her. My mother told me at a recent benefit, it was standing room only and hundreds came out to honor her. Everybody loved and respected her because of the kind of woman she was. I love and miss you, Phyllis.
TO DREA AND PAT…….YOUR MOM AND I WERE FRIENDS SINCE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND BEFORE SHE BECAME ILL, IF I WERE ASKED WHO I WANTED TO BE WHEN I CAME BACK IN ANOTHER LIFE, I WOULD DEFINITELY SAY “PHYLLIS”. SHE WAS THE BEST FRIEND ANYONE COULD HAVE, SHE WAS VERY SMART, WHITTY, BEST COOK IN THE WORLD AND ENTERTAINED ME ALL HER LIFE. I LOVE HER AND MISS HER TERRIBLY.
The beach neighborhood and the rivalry between the Damn Yankees and mighty Boston Red Sox will never, ever be the same without Phyllis.
An absolutely amazing person who is already missed.
God Speed and tell Steinbrenner what an idiot he is
We have lost one of the wittiest, funniest, kindest and most caring human beings I have ever known in my life. Phyllis was the best cook bar none. I had the pleasure of feasting at her home many times. She opened her home to family and friends 24-7. I will miss her dearly. My prayers are with you Drea and your family.
Nancy
We all went to Wilbur Cross together. We drifted apart for awhile, but in 1998 we started meeting every other month for dinner. Phyllis always kept us laughing about her different escapades. Every summer, we would go to the cottage for a “Five Star Dinner!”
We always knew the cottage because of the big Yankee banner in hanging from the porch. I will always remember the picture of her in the register when the Red Sox came to the center green. There was Phyllis with her Yankee shirt, jacket and banner in the middle of all the Red Sox fans. I`m sure she is giving everyone in Heaven a good laugh. She was truly one of the funniest people we ever meet. Agnes, Marie and Roz
Phyllis will bring many smiles to all in Heaven. Our prayers and sympathy to all of all you with Gods blessing.
To The Marino Family- There is nothing anyone can say at this time. But rest assure everyone is smiling thinking of a story about Phyllis and laughing. There isn’t anyone who had the honor of meeting her that didn’t walk away laughing. She was one in a million. She held court at the table down the cottage, always had the coffee on, you couldn’t walk past the house, without stopping in, then you couldn’t leave, she wouldn’t let you,”where ya gotta go?” Her stories can top any hollywood script. She will be sharing her stories with a larger audience now and spreading smiles. She will be missed by many.
Words almost escape me right now… I’ll miss her humor, cooking, fighting spirit – just her all-around spunkiness. My condolences to the family on a tremendous loss – though may you truly be comforted in the knowledge that her suffering is over…
Scheri
The Marino family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish you all possible comfort at this difficult time. We were very saddened to hear about the loss of Phyllis. Please accept our sincere condolences. As we thought about her today, she brought an immediate smile to our face but our hearts were heavy. She was a legend and truely will be missed!
Since 1998 we went out to dinner every other month. One of the best places to eat was the cottage. We never ate much that day, because we knew we would have a Five Star dinner.
She was a wonderful cook and a very funny lady. I`ll never forget how I laughed when I saw her picture in the register when the Red Sox came to the green. There was Phyllis in her Yankee finest, jersey.jacket, hat and banner. I`m sure everyone in heaven is laughing with her.
One of the best persons i`ve ever known. My other Mother. Rest easy you`re back with Pat now. Love you and will always miss you.
Drea, Pat, Pam and Gennaro,
We are so sorry of the recent passing of Phyllis. We are thankful that she made it one more time here to the beach to be with all of us last month. She was very special to my dad and always thought of him and did wonderful things for him. Hopefully you find comfort in knowing that they are now together in heaven. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Much love,
Joy, Gina, Kevin, Connor and Courtney