Phyllis J Andreassi

Phyllis Joan Andreassi (née Palombo), a grandmotherly figure to several generations of neighbors in Cresskill, NJ, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was 102. Phyllis was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, George C. Andreassi Sr., in 2015. After his retirement, they traveled the world, including an Alaskan cruise, an Australian adventure, and a family trip to Italy. Born on August 15, 1921, in the Melrose section of the Bronx, later living in the Morris Park section, Phyllis devoted her life to family, focusing her complete attention on taking care of her husband, three children and eight grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Mema.” Known as “Aunt Phyllis” to most who met her, Phyllis went through life with an upbeat “one-day-at-a-time” attitude and inspired many friends and relatives with her positive words of encouragement. Phyllis gained cult hero status among all who knew her by living independently and maintaining her household well past age 100. Phyllis was a member of St. Therese R.C. Church in Cresskill and participated in many church-related activities. She was also a member of the Cresskill Garden Club and volunteered on the beautification project in the town square. Phyllis was a member of the Cresskill Seniors and Demarest Seniors and had an active social circle of friends with whom she played Bridge and sewed. She was an avid reader who loved the public library; she was reading up until her final days. Following World War II, Phyllis was employed as a sales associate at Grant’s Department Store, where she took great pride in providing her artistic eye and decorating sense. Phyllis graduated from Our Lady of Solace School and Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx, NY. Phyllis is survived by her three children, George, and his wife Tracy; Louise Szpila, and her husband Ed; Joanne Andreassi Cseh and her husband Mike; along with eight grandchildren, Joseph, and his wife Danielle, Olivia, Kyra, Rose, Michael, Jessica, Natalia, and George. Phyllis will be remembered for her warmth, zest for life, devotion to her family and never saying no to a cocktail or a dance. Viewing at Barrett – Leber Funeral Home, Tenafly, NJ, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 4-to-7 PM. Funeral Mass at St. Therese RC Church, Cresskill, NJ, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at noon. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Cresskill Public Library, and/or St. Therese RC Church.