Phyllis Cicirelli, age 72, of Naples, FL and Ocean, NJ passed away on February 8, 2022. Born and raised in Jersey City, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Lillian (SanFilippo) Amoroso. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years Ralph, her three sons, Mark and wife Lisa; Jeffrey and wife Elisha; and David. Also surviving are her precious granddaughters; Emma, Alexandra, Olivia and Julie; her sister Cathy Wickiewicz (Tom) and brother Michael Amoroso (Judy), as well as 17 nieces and nephews, 17 grand-nieces and nephews and 10 great-grand nieces and nephews.

In 1966, Phyllis was in the inaugural class of 100 women admitted to the previously all male St. Peter’s College. Graduating in 1970 she helped lead the way for countless more women to follow. While at St. Peter’s, she met her future husband. After graduation, they married and moved to Geissen, West Germany where her husband was serving as an officer in the US Army. While there, they traveled extensively throughout Western Europe, and developed a lifelong love of travel and exploration.

An avid reader with a curious mind, she enjoyed theatre, history, and a good book. After raising her children, she returned to teaching. A kindergarten teacher in Middletown Township, she eagerly looked forward to working with her students and fostering in them her love of learning. Retiring in 2010, she enjoyed living in Naples, FL, where she made many new friends, before returning full time to NJ in 2021.

However, her greatest love in life was her family. She especially cherished being a mom and grandma and spending time with her beloved granddaughters. For many years her Middletown home was the family gathering place for a lovingly prepared Thanksgiving dinner where many wonderful family memories were made. After learning of her passing a friend aptly said “Phyllis always had a twinkle in her eye, and her sweet smile made me smile. She was as tough as a warrior, yet as delicate as a flower.”

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 11^th between 4-7PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home in Holmdel. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10AM in St. James Church, Red Bank.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Tri-State Scleroderma Foundation or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For messages of condolence or to share a favorite memory of Phyllis, please visit her page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com.