Phyllis Nocella

Phyllis (Mancini) Nocella, 79, of Marstons Mills, Mass. passed away peacefully at home on March 10, 2026. Phyllis was born in Somerville, MA. on January 26, 1947 to parents Pasquale and Fannie (Nardone) Mancini and was a graduate of Somerville High School. She also received a BA in History from Bridgewater State University.

As a young mother she worked at various restaurants on Cape Cod both as a waitress and a cook. She later had a career in the healthcare industry as a medical assistant in several facilities in the area. After retiring she became a compassionate hospice volunteer.

Her life force was strong. Phyllis radiated joy and warmth towards all people (and pets). Her passion for gardening, her amazing artistic talent with watercolor paintings, her sense of adventure when traveling, and her uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She personified the saying, "She was the friend everyone wished they had." Being at the beach, book in hand, on a warm sunny day, followed by a glass of wine at home, was her ultimate "HAPPY PLACE."

She was preceded in death by her brother, John Robert Mancini of Somerville MA and her daughter, Katerina (Lorrigan) Kalaw of Stoneham MA.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 34+ years of marriage , Richard A. Nocella, her son Derek P. Lorrigan and his wife Kimberly Hargis of Thetford VT, her sister Carol (Mancini) Buonopane and brother-in-law David Buonopane. She also leaves behind her adored granddaughters, Zoe Angelina Kalaw and Bobbi Isabella Kalaw, both of whom are in college. She is deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and neighbors.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Phyllis at Sam Diego's restaurant in Hyannis on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 12-3 pm.