Phyllis CANNELLA

CANNELLA, Phyllis Marie (Puleo) 94, passed away peacefully at Advent Health Tampa on December 10, 2022 with her family at her side. She was born in Ybor City to Joseph Puleo and Mary (DiLorenzo) Puleo. Her parents were of Italian descent with origins from Santo Stefano, Sicily. Phyllis grew up in Ybor City and graduated from Hillsborough High School with honors. She was a graduate of Tampa Business University. She developed a love for the violin at a young age. She was a violinist with the Hillsborough High School Orchestra, University of Tampa Orchestra and the Tampa Symphony Orchestra which would be renamed the Tampa Philharmonic and later the Florida Orchestra. At times, she served as concertmaster and first violinist. After high school, she met Xavier F. Cannella who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. They married on July 3, 1949. Xavier was an educator with the Hillsborough County School System and later became a principal. Xavier F. Cannella Elementary School was named in his honor in 1993. They had two sons, Michael and Xavier Jr. During the next thirty years, Phyllis was busy caring for her family. She was an active member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and served on its county council. She and Xavier Sr. were active members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ybor City. Through the years she continued to play the violin well into her seventies. In 1984, she suffered the loss of her beloved husband Xavier. After a time of grieving, she returned to school to obtain her teaching certification. In the mid-1980s, she began substitute teaching for the Hillsborough County School System. She retired after twenty years of service. After her retirement, she visited assisted living facilities and nursing homes reading to the residents, organizing arts and crafts classes, and playing the violin. In her later years, she would spend time with her family, most often with her grandchildren. She continued to be an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. While arthritis limited her ability to play the violin, she continued to listen to orchestral music and attend performances of the Florida Orchestra with her family. Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Xavier F. Cannella; her three sisters, Angelina Trafficante, Evelyn Martinez, and Violet Alfonso. She is survived by her two sons Michael (Lori) and Xavier Jr. (Sharon); cousin, John DiLorenzo; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She loved all of her family very much. The family held a graveside service at Garden of Memories Cemetery on December 19, 2022. The service was officiated by Pastor: Rev. Hector J. Cruz of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church at a later date. Phyllis was a selfless person who always put others first. She was loved by all who knew her and will be missed greatly, especially by her family. The family is grateful for the compassionate care that she received from the physicians, nurses, and staff at Advent Health Tampa. The family is also deeply appreciative of the care she received for several years at the Home Association of Tampa as well as the care provided at Tampa Lakes Health and Rehabilitation Center. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice or in memory of Phyllis M. Cannella to the Children's Home Network 10909 Memorial Highway Tampa, FL 33615.