Philomena "Phyllis" Pagano, 92, of Hyde Park, passed away on February 9, 2023, born with a heart of gold on November 5, 1931 to Teresa and Oscar Pandoli in Hershey, Pa. Then from the age of 7 she was raised with love by Santa and Nicholas Vaccaro in New Rochelle, NY, where she grew up with her brothers and sisters, Louis and Dominick Varccaro, Paula Vaccaro Fierson and over 30 foster children that had the privilege to be cared for by Santa and Nick. On April 27, 1952 she married the late Sabino Pagano, together having four children. After living in New Rochelle, they moved to Port Chester until they made their way to the "country", or Pleasant Valley in 1961.

Phyllis was a light, always having on the biggest smile, she could warm a room. Always willing to share a laugh and a cup of coffee! Loving was her superpower! She would go above and beyond for the ones she loved. Traditionally, making jugs of eggnog at Christmas for everyone, driving all the way to Hudson to get "the best apple cider" at Thanksgiving and calling us without fail the day before daylight savings to say "turn your clocks back!" She never missed a birthday, holiday, even the changing of the seasons would bring her joy, any reason to change her curtains! In her world, the people she loved could do no wrong, unconditional love at it's purest! Phyllis loved being a Nana, holding and singing to all the babies, she enjoyed all the kids and spoiled them to no end, starting her Christmas shopping the day after Christmas to make sure she always had enough for everyone and then some. Despite being paralyzed on her left side in her mid 40's, she didn't let it stop her from doing the things she enjoyed, cooking for her family, hanging her blankets in the fresh air, shopping! She loved shopping! But never for herself, unless it was for the house! Even in the hardest times, she maintained her grace. So much is to be said for her character and the kind of human she was. She will live on forever in our hearts.

After 44 years of marriage, she divorced Sabino, however they remained friends until his death in December of 2021.

Meeting Robert Loose later in life, they spent almost 30 years together. Moving from Pleasant Valley to Hyde Park to be closer to their family, the two of them spent a lot of their time making rounds to the local restaurants where they were loved, going to the casino, and taking long rides right up until his death in June of 2017.

She is survived by her oldest "number one", Gary Pagano and wife Terrie, daughter Susan Travis and husband Delbert, sister Paula Fierson and partner Scott, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a great nephew. Predeceased by her daughter Paula Jappen, January 2013 and son Steven Pagano, November 2016.

There will be a celebration of her life to be announced for family and friends.

Services will begin at 11:00am on Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Community Mausoleum at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.  condolences may be made to the family at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.