Phyllis Ascione

Phyllis Ascione (nee Scalpone), age 88, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Phyllis was born and raised in Brooklyn and was the only child to Alfred and Mary Scalpone.  Growing up in Brooklyn, Phyllis attended Sarah J Hale High School and graduated with the class of 1952.  Following her high school graduation, Phyllis found work at the New York Trust Bank in Manhattan.  Phyllis was employed there for a short time when in 1955 her Aunt Josephine introduced Phyllis to a handsome young man by the name of Neil Robert Ascione. Their first date was a picnic together. Phyllis and Neil hit it off and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on June 24, 1956 Phyllis and Neil became husband and wife at Holy Ghost RC Church in Brooklyn, now known as the Holy Spirit RC Church.

The newlyweds settled in Brooklyn and while living there welcomed the birth of their first two sons, Patrick, and Alfred.  It was not long after getting married that Phyllis decided to become a full time homemaker.  As her family started to grow, in 1964, they moved to the town of Wayne. After moving to Wayne, Neil and Phyllis welcomed the birth of their third son, Neil.  Phyllis and her husband Neil have remained in Wayne and have called it their home ever since.

Becoming a homemaker was Phyllis’ true calling and where she genuinely flourished.  She was a completely devoted mother to her children, and a dedicated grandmother and great grandmother.   She was not only devoted to her family but also to her Catholic Faith.  Phyllis and Neil were founding parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne.  Phyllis and her fellow lady church friends would often go out for breakfast after weekday masses at Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, and they were affectionately referred to as “The Oatmeal Club.”

Knitting and crocheting were some of Phyllis’ favorite past times.  She treasured knitting scarves for family and friends.  She was a wonderful cook, everyone especially enjoyed her macaroon cookies and rice pudding which she made with tender love and care. Phyllis also loved and looked forward to hosting the holidays at her home every year.  Neil and Phyllis enjoyed traveling together and visited various destinations, many within the United States.  She and Neil also took two very memorable trips to Italy together.

It was clear that Phyllis’ true passion in life was her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Phyllis than providing for and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Phyllis and her family enjoyed their summers at Greenwood Lake throughout the years.  She was a dedicated daughter as well, caring for both her mother and father as they grew elderly.  Phyllis and her husband Neil cherished an amazing sixty-six years of loving and loyal marriage together.

Phyllis was a vibrant and spunky lady who made friends wherever she went.  She could light up any room she entered with her smile, her charm and warm personality.  She was giving and generous almost to a fault.  Phyllis was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.  

Phyllis is survived by her husband Neil Robert Ascione of Wayne, NJ, her three sons; Patrick Ascione and his wife Loren of Wayne, NJ, Alfred Ascione and his wife Diane of Wayne, NJ, and Neil Ascione and his wife Diana of Parrish, FL, five grandchildren; Neil Ascione and his wife Jessica of Montville, NJ, Allison Romeo and her husband Nicholas of Packanack Lake, NJ, Nicole Diaz and her husband Christopher of West Orange, NJ, Kristen Ascione of Packanack Lake, NJ, and Luke Ascione of Parrish, FL, and five great grandchildren; Mason, Tenley and Sienna Romeo, Evelyn, and Natalie Ascione.