With heavy hearts, we are sad to share the passing of Filomena “Phyllis” Petrilli Romano, on August 30, 2024, surrounded by many loving family members.
Born to Federico and Raffaella Petrilli on November 20, 1934 in Grottaminarda, Italy, she was a beloved sister, wife, mother, Nonna/Grandma, aunt, great-grandmother and friend. Phyllis was a cherished member of the Petrilli family, sister to Euplio “Fred” Petrilli (Anne), Antonio “Tony” Petrilli (Raffaella), Rosa Romano (Antonio), and Josephine Altavilla (Antonio). In 1954, she married her beloved Carmine Romano and emigrated to the United States to start their life together. She created a loving home and together they raised their children, grew a beautiful vegetable garden and hosted many family functions, especially around the holidays. They remained married until Carmine’s passing in 1982.
Phyllis’ love extended to her children and their spouses: Anthony Romano and wife Nancy of Sarasota, FL, Frederick Romano and wife Linda of Walpole, and Nilda Tamburello and husband Joseph of Walpole. She was also a loving and devoted Nonna/Grandma to Brian Romano and wife Lisa, Allison Romano, Jay Romano and wife Katherine, Jeffrey Romano and fiancée Claire O'Neill, Joseph Tamburello, and Elizabeth Tamburello, and a beloved great-grandmother to Wyatt, Conall, and Scarlett. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Phyllis was a strong and independent woman. She loved to travel, was an avid reader, and a wonderful cook. Her Sunday gravy was legendary, and she could turn a simple garden salad into a culinary delight. In her early years, she was employed by Trimont Clothing Company of Boston as a stitcher. She later worked for many years at Armstrong Lab in West Roxbury.
While her later years were marred by her battle with Parkinson’s Disease, she fought bravely but accepted her eventual passing with courage and dignity.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 8, from 3 PM to 7 PM, at William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street in West Roxbury, MA. Funeral will begin from the Funeral Home on Monday, September 9, at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre Street, also in West Roxbury, MA. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA immediately following. For directions and guestbook gormleyfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations in honor of Phyllis to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.