Phyllis J. Toell

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Phyllis Josephine Toell, age 68, of West Islip, NY, died of pneumonia and complications from multiple sclerosis on October 11th 2020 in Rockville Centre, NY. 

She was born on September 10th 1952 in Brooklyn, NY to Gasper LaMarca and Antoinette Palermo. The second of four children, Phyllis was raised in Brooklyn before moving to Massapequa Park, NY and later Deer Park, NY, where she graduated from Deer Park High School in 1970. Growing up in a large Italian family, Phyllis had fond memories of her childhood and often spoke glowingly of time spent with her siblings, cousins, and extended family. Many tales were told of basement parties, homemade wine, and delicious food.

She married Paul George Toell of Farmingdale, NY on February 19th 1977. Paul passed away on January 31st 2013. They had three daughters together, all of whom survive. They are Danielle Tam of Setauket, NY, Kimberly Toell of Holbrook, NY, and Gina Piastuck, wife of Jason Piastuck, also of Holbrook.

Phyllis enjoyed spending her time reading fiction, tending her garden, and watching baseball (Let’s Go Mets!). She was easygoing, a patient listener, had a good sense of humor, and often put others before herself. She was practical, intelligent, and always game for a good story.

Aside from her children, Phyllis is survived by her sister Donna Tenaglia, wife of Fabrizio Tenaglia, of Deer Park, NY, and brother Anthony LaMarca, and his wife Theresa LaMarca, of Concord, NC. Her beloved sister, Paulette Trotta, died in 1979.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Phyllis’ memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.