Obituary of Phyllis Avallone Gubitosa

Phyllis Avallone Gubitosa, 89, peacefully departed to eternal life on Sunday, in her home in Leesburg, VA surrounded by her loving family. She died of natural causes. Born December 1, 1921 in Asbury Park, NJ to Carlo and Francesca Avallone, she followed her mother's tradition of living each day as a very devoted Catholic. With a zest for learning, after graduating from Asbury Park High School, she continued her studies at Douglas College of Rutgers University where she graduated with a B.S. in Political Science. In 1947, she married Victor Gubitosa, to whom she was married for 63 years. Building on her passion for education and service to Christ, Phyllis joyfully served as a kindergarten and fourth grade teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Asbury Park, NJ for a remarkable 47 years. Working under parish priests beginning with Father Marcellino Romagno to Father Gerard, she became the cornerstone of the School as it moved from Bangs Avenue to its current location on Pine Street and First Avenue. Every one of her students knew her as a tireless sports enthusiast who relished her Monday morning football and baseball discussions. As a staunch Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees fan, she celebrated each win, and suffered each loss. Phyllis was a master teacher; student teachers remained on waiting lists to have the opportunity to student teach under her astute example. Additionally, she served on the SEARCH School for Autism Board of Directors in Monmouth County for many years in her desire to provide quality services for children in New Jersey with autism. For the last four years, Phyllis and Victor enjoyed the company, support, and compassion of many new friends in their Leisure World community. Her legacy and devotion to Christian education lives on through the thousands of lives she touched as a dedicated, nurturing model teacher. Her vivacious, generous spirit endures through her many years as a loyal wife; loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; caring sister; compassionate friend; and faithful believer. Phyllis will be deeply missed, but remain forever in our hearts. She is predeceased by her mother and father; brothers Peter, Henry, and John; younger sister Eleanor Luce; brother-in-law Clarence Gubitosa; and niece Cathy Havlusch. She is survived by her loving husband Victor, brother Charles and his wife Mary Avallone, brother Joseph and his wife Joan Avallone, sister Amelia Gubitosa, and sisters-in-law Peggy and Dolores Avallone, daughter Diane, son Victor and his wife Marian, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her greatest joys in life - her grandchildren Moya and her husband Ed, Stephen and his wife Nicholle, Colleen, Eleanore, and Denise and her husband Eric and great-grandchildren Gianna, Liliana, and Sienna. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org/waystohelp , or 800-805-5856). Please send condolences to her husband, Victor Gubitosa, at 19365 Cypress Ridge Terrace, #1005, Leesburg, VA 20176. A Mass of the Resurrection for Phyllis will take place at St. Theresa's Catholic Church (21371 St Theresa Lane, Ashburn, VA 20147) on Monday, March 14 at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at Leisure World's Potomac Ridge (19365 Cypress Ridge Terrace, Leesburg, VA 20176). There will be a Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Asbury Park, NJ (time and date to be announced in the parish bulletin). "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." - John 17:3