Phyllis Ricchezza Pepe Cicerchia

Phyllis Ricchezza Pepe Cicerchia
Beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend
It is with deep sadness and grief that we share the passing of Phyllis (Panella) Ricchezza Pepe Cicerchia, 73, of Prospect. Phyllis passed away peacefully while enfolded in the love of her family at sunrise on September 9, 2025 at the Vitas of St. Mary's Hospital. Phyllis was the widow of Joseph Cicerchia. Born February 16, 1952 in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of the late Anthony Panella and Jacqueline (Avitto) Panella.
As a graduate of Wolcott High School Class of 1970, Phyllis made many life-long friends with whom she shared the joys, sorrows, challenges and blessings of life. Phyllis made friends wherever she went. Strangers became fast friends. Phyllis had a golden voice that she shared with the St. Francis Xavier Choir for over 50 years. Her strong faith and commitment to her parish brought her comfort in tough times. For 30 years, Phyllis was the office manager at Skrip's Autobody until her retirement.
She loved traveling particularly to Maine where she feasted on her favorite lobster rolls. She loved lighthouses, the ocean and time with friends and family. The trip of a lifetime was Alaska where she relished the sights and time with family. Phyllis was sentimental and intentional; her family blessed by her love. She was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother and aunt, cousin, sister in law and friend. Her light and love will live on, her love and memory cherished by all.
Phyllis leaves her adoring daughter Amanda Miller and husband Barry, her treasured granddaughters Madison and Reagan who affectionately called her Nini. She also leaves her brother Anthony Panella (Linda) of VT and her sister Jacqueline Rector (Geoff) of SC. She was the "chosen" mother to Douglas Pepe (Jennifer) of ME, Shanna Ricchezza (Sarah), John Ricchezza (Christopher), Ashlee Ferrari (Jed) all of VA. She was the loving aunt of Jessica Turner (Anthony) of TX, Karissa Rector (Richard Houcque) of SC, Lindsey Dunham (John) of VT and Jonathan Panella of Mo as well as several other nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and a multitude of cousins and friends. A light so bright, her voice of gold and her tender touch, these will shine on as treasures forevermore.
Arrangements: Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect. A mass of Christian burial for Phyllis will be celebrated Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 625 Baldwin St., Waterbury with interment to immediately follow at Edgewood Cemetery, Wolcott. Those planning to attend the funeral are invited to gather at Prospect Memorial Funeral Home at 8:45am with procession departing to the church at 9:30am. Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and to care for Phyllis's family throughout their grief journey. For directions, information and to share your condolences please visit prospectmemorial.com
Phyllis's family would like to thank the staff of Vitas IPU at St. Mary's Hospital for their compassionate care during her last days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Vitas at https://vitascommunityconnection.org . Or a donation can also be made in her name to her favorite Lighthouse, The Nubble Light House. Checks can be made payable to Town Of York. Address is 200 U.S Route 1 York, ME 03909