Phyllis Joanne {Camarata} Define

Phyllis J. Define, 94, of Massillon, left her earthly home at The Inn at University Village, for her heavenly home on June 24, 2025. She was born on September 10, 1930 to the late Salvatore Cammarata and Ann {Pizzalato} Cammarata.

Phyllis married the love of her life, Vincent "Vinny" Define on New Year's Eve, 1949, and they spent 56 wonderful years together before his passing in 2006. They were lifetime members of St. Clement's, now Holy Family Parish, and both were active in parish activities.

In addition to her husband and parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her sister Josephine (Joseph) Aiello, brother Joseph (Joanne) Cammarata, daughter-in-law Patricia K. Define, nieces Francis Aiello and Linda Camarata.

Phyllis is survived by her loving children Gary (Melissa) Define and Linda (Lori Milo) Define; grandchildren Gary Define II (Kari), and Meshawn Define; great-grandchildren Jossalyn (Michael) Greene and Gary Define III; great-great-grandchildren Louise and Lainey Greene; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Phyllis attended Washington High School prior to graduating beauty school. She went on to work as a beautician first in Navarre, then at her own shop in her home in Richville. Upon retirement from the beauty industry, Phyllis began working as a cook and monitor at Richville Elementary School, where she loved interacting with the students.

Phyllis loved spending time making memories with family. She enjoyed live music, dancing, and could pass many hours playing cards. Phyllis was also a talented seamstress, making clothes for her husband, kids and grandkids.

Phyllis loved living at The Inn at University Village. She spent the last 20 months making friends with residents and staff members alike, and she truly enjoyed attending the music and special events that were held there.

Her kind heart and generous spirit will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

The family would like to thank The Inn at University Village for the quality time, attention, and love they showed Mom while she made her home in assisted living, and Crossroads Hospice for their compassionate care.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd. NE Massillon, OH 44646 on Sunday, June 29th from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m, and again on Monday, June 30th from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. A procession will follow to St. Clement Catholic Church of Holy Family Parish, 216 Wooster St. NE Navarre, OH 44662 for an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial with Father Tom Bishop officiating. Interment to follow the service at East Union Lawn Cemetery, where Phyllis will be laid to rest with Vinny. To share a memory of Phyllis or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.