Obituary of Philomena B Manzerra

PHILOMENA B. "PHYLLIS" MANZERRA SUNSET BEACH, NC - Philomena "Phyllis" Manzerra, 95, formerly of Latham, passed away peacefully March 29, 2024 with her daughters by her side. Phyllis was born October 7, 1928 in Watervliet, NY, daughter of the late Luigi Barney and Teresa (Marro) Barney. After graduation from Catholic Central High School, Phyllis worked as a secretary, most notably at the Bell Telephone Company in Albany, NY. Here with skill, determination, and tenacity for detail and success, she advanced from the steno pool to the position of Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Engineering. Phyllis married Frank J. Manzerra on February 4, 1956. They bought a home in Latham, NY and lived happily there for 60 years. With the birth of their daughters Phyllis decided to leave work for several years to focus on raising her family. Once both daughters were in school she returned to work at the telephone company until her retirement in 1983. Phyllis enjoyed her work and was an excellent role model. She was a strong, independent woman. Devoted to family, she often said, "Family isn't just a thing, it's the only thing." Phyllis was an avid reader and appreciated the challenge of crossword puzzles. Phyllis and Frank loved Disney World. Together with their daughters they vacationed there every year marveling at the latest additions to the various parks. Following their retirement, Orlando FL became their winter home. They also loved the coast. As their family grew to include grandchildren, summers were spent at her daughter's home in Sunset Beach, NC. It is here that Phyllis lived the majority of her final years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Catherine Valente, her loving husband, Frank in 2014, and in 2017 by her son-in-law, Robert Woodin. Survivors include her daughters Leslie Woodin of Sunset Beach, NC, and Louise DeFalco (Larry) of Stevenson Ranch, CA; four grandchildren: Diane Woodin (Eric Welborn), Seven Woodin (Aimee), James Woodin (Jenevieve) and Laura DeFalco; and three great grandchildren: Sierra and Sawyer Woodin and Natalie Woodin. Further, Phyllis is survived by a brother, Frank Barney; a sister, Nina Barney; a sister-in-law, Angeline Collins; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. The family would like to thank the staff of the Davis Community, Wilmington, NC for the excellent care and support Phyllis received during her residence. To honor her life and memory relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 1, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 2, 10:00 AM at St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham NY. Internment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For further information or to leave a condolence message for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.