Phyllis Ann Staskewicz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away with family by her side on May 18, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, on July 7, 1934, Phyllis, also known as “Toogie” to her family and close friends, was the eldest daughter of Ottorino “Otto” Marzulli and Claire Wooley Marzulli. She often shared  a childhood memory of playing inside the construction site of what would later become Newark’s Sacred Heart (Cathedral) Basilica  — the very church where she would marry her loving husband, Philip Staskewicz.

Phyllis graduated from Bloomfield High School, where she proudly served as a drum majorette. After graduation, she attended secretarial school and began working at Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories before  marrying Philip, her devoted husband of 53 years.

Phyllis and Phil met on a blind date, where Phil introduced himself  as “Phil Stak,” a joke that became  a source of laughter throughout their marriage.

Together they built a loving home and raised four children  — a role Phyllis embraced wholeheartedly. She was the quintessential homemaker: an exceptional cook, talented seamstress, gracious hostess, and devoted wife and mother. Family gatherings and entertaining were her specialty, always delivering a creative menu on a beautifully set table. This  was something she passed on to her daughters and granddaughters.  And, of course the table photo! 

Later, after moving to Warren, New Jersey, Phyllis became an avid tennis player. She played in several women’s groups and Phil and she were known for hosting  Saturday night tennis parties as part of their couples tennis group. 

When she returned to the workforce, Phyllis once again worked as a secretary before discovering her true calling in real estate. As a Realtor with Weichert Realtors, her ability to connect with people, sharp mind and negotiating skills made her a natural.  But,  her family always remained her greatest priority.

One of Phyllis’s greatest joys was being “Nana” to her grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure. She was endlessly supportive and generous with her time.  Her family was truly the center of her world.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Philip, daughter Kimberley Baum and son Craig. She is survived by her daughters, Lori England (Robert) and Wendy Regina-Vasquez (Joe); her son-in-law, Wesley Baum; her grandchildren Whitney Russo (Genaro) and their sons Matteo and Damiano;  Spencer Baum (Liz) and their sons Ryan and Logan; Laura McGovern (Kevin) and their son Liam; Joseph Vasquez (Kelsey Schwimmer); Bradley Regina; Katherine Vasquez (Madeleine Kusel); Brandon England and Colin Regina

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who will forever cherish her love, strength, and devotion to them. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created and the family she nurtured.

A private service for the family will be held at Higgins Home for Funerals, Watchung. Internment will be at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Basking Ridge.