Phyllis Louise Connell's Obituary
Phyllis Louise Connell (née Pizzuto), age 84, went home to God on October 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on August 6, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Phyllis was the cherished daughter of the late Philip and Jean (née Petrone) Pizzuto. She graduated from St. Michael's Catholic High School and earned her degree from Brooklyn College, later dedicating her professional life to education as a beloved teacher at St. Pius X and Archbishop Spalding High Schools.
Phyllis married the love of her life, Alan Francis Patrick Connell, and together they built a home filled with faith, love, and creativity. She had a deep appreciation for nature and the arts. Whether gardening, spending time at the beach, swimming, camping, or creating beautiful stained glass and paintings, Phyllis lived with joy and intention. Her passion for art and her warmth touched all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Pizzuto; her mother and father in-law, Cecilia and John Connell; and her sister and brother in-law, Anne and Jack Egan.
Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband, Alan Francis Patrick Connell of Milton, DE; her children: Gregory Alan Connell (Susie) of Arnold, MD; Alayne Marie Kirkman (Anthony) of Centreville, MD; and Jennifer Lynn Willis (Wesley) of Huntingtown, MD. She was a proud grandmother to Brendan Jeffrey Herberger (Juliana); Cecelia Jemma Fowler (Ethan); Gemma Marie Willis and Brody Warren Willis (Paige); and a loving great-grandmother to Lucas Jeffrey Herberger, Madelyn Grace Fowler, Hazel Mae Willis, and Leo Francisco Herberger.
Phyllis’s life was a testament to faith, family, and creativity. Her memory will be treasured by all who were blessed to know her.
Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church at https://www.stjudelewes.org/
Please sign Phyllis’ tribute wall at this site.
What’s your fondest memory of Phyllis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phyllis?
Share a story where Phyllis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phyllis you’ll never forget.
How did Phyllis make you smile?