Phyllis A. Freschi

Phyllis Ann Freschi, aged 89, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024 at her home in Wilmington, DE, with her two sons beside her.

Phyllis will always be remembered as a loving soul, who found joy in helping others and who’s personality not only lit up a room but would bring comfort and joy to those she met. As a sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt, and grandma she was compassionate and devoted to those she engaged. Phyllis was born in Meriden, CT to the late Stanley and Stephanie Furman. She graduated from Meriden High School and was employed in the bookkeeping department of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association. She enjoyed telling her family stories of growing up on Blackstone Street in the house her father built, eating food from Dziadek’s garden and Babcia’s kitchen, special moments with her siblings Kay and Ray and her friendship with Gloria and Gert. She married the love of her life, Tom Freschi, on June 29, 1963; a June bride, they would be celebrating their 61st anniversary this month. Their marriage started with an adventure that took them away from their home in Connecticut, moving to Englewood, CO for Tom’s work only to be quickly relocated to Downingtown, PA. They ultimately settled in Wilmington, DE where they started their family and spent their next 60 years.

Phyllis was totally devoted to her two boys, wanting nothing more than to be there for them; she was a constant source of encouragement, reassurance and support. Although her path took her away from her home in Connecticut, her extended family remained a priority for her and she did all that she could to support her siblings and their families, making the trip from Delaware whenever needed. Phyllis was proud of her Polish heritage, whether it was the strength of her people, the pride of John Paull II’s Papacy or the wonderful food she enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Family was certainly her focus and she was especially committed to her three grandchildren whom she loved dearly and took pride in sharing stories of all that they were doing and achieving. “Grandma” was a role she truly enjoyed, being a fixture in her grandchildren’s lives as well as a constant source of support to their parents. Phyllis loved the ocean and times spent at their beach house in Bethany Beach were cherished, whether hosting holiday dinners, watching the sun rise before donuts or simply enjoying family time. Phyllis and Tom also loved to travel, especially taking cruises to the Caribbean, often with close friends, and staying at their timeshare in Aruba. Phyllis will be greatly missed for the hope she brought to any situation and the smile she would leave with you when you parted.

Phyllis is survived by her sons Steven (Regina) Freschi of Ashburn, VA and Michael Freschi of Chicago, IL; 3 grandchildren, Mary Caitlin Freschi of Chicago, IL, 1LT William Horan Freschi stationed in Tacoma, WA, and Thomas Forest Freschi of Ashburn, VA. Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Freschi, as well as her sister Katherine Markin and brother Raymond Furman.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 24, 2024 St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. A Visitation will be held prior to the mass from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Dagsboro, DE.

Phyllis’ family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.