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Dr. Phyllis Jo "P.J." Polumbo
Dr. Phyllis Jo "P.J." Polumbo
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Phyllis graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Biology and went on to complete her Masters in Environmental Biology at the University of Oregon. She worked for several years as a National Park Naturalist in Mississippi and for Hamilton County Parks in Ohio. Her love of the great outdoors was only matched by her passion for animals which lead her to pursue her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the Ohio State University. She was a former partner at Glenwood Pet Hospital as well as working with animals at the Erie Zoo for many years.
She found joy in spending time with family, friends, and immersing herself in the beauty of nature through hiking, kayaking, biking, and gardening. In retirement, Phyllis continued to make a difference in her community by volunteering at the Presque Isle Partnership and the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Bill Wright.
Survivors include her dog, Zelda; two sisters, Cathy Wright and Cecilia Polumbo; a brother, Neil Polumbo, Jr.; a niece Katelyn Polumbo, fiancé Benjamin Bolam; step nieces and nephews, Brian Wright, Lauren Wright, Matthew Krepp and Trisha Krepp; great niece and nephews, Julie Wright, Camdon Wright, and Alan Wright; and two dear friends, Shawn Keough-Hartz and Sue Winschel.
Memorials may be made to any of the many organizations that P.J. supported including Because You Care, the Erie Zoo, the Presque Isle Partnership, The Newfoundland Club of America Charitable Trust-Ohio Region for Rescue, Second Harvest Food Bank, the ANNA Shelter, Orphan Angels, Erie Humane Society, The National Wildlife Federation, or The National Audubon Society.
Arrangements are being handled by Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Avenue Branch, 845 East 38th St.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Phyllis, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sarah Barr
January 14, 2025
I worked with Dr. Polumbo at the Erie Zoo as as a veterinary technician. She was one of the most honorable and beloved, generous humans I have ever met, that worked tirelessly for the effort of animals. I was shocked today when I found out about her passing. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Her spirit truly will be missed.
Katrina Slocum
January 8, 2025
PJ I was so very sorry to hear of your passing, you were an amazing person and I feel so honored to have been able to meet you .The care you showed animal and human was so much appreciated by all who knew you .Thank you so much for that the world will be a sadder place without you in it. I am sure when you got to heaven that you were welcomed with thousands of wagging tails and sloppy kisses. Fly high like the angel we all knew you were.
Jackie Cross
January 8, 2025
Dearest PJ,
Our hearts are heavy with the news of your passing. You were one of the kindest, most caring, loving human beings, we have had the honor of meeting in our lifetime. The compassion and love you gave was not only to all the animals you met, but it was also given to their owners and everyone you whose life you touched.
When our dog had to have surgery, our family was so worried. You called before the surgery, after the surgery and many times after, because each pet was as if it was your own. We will never forget when you came to our home to put our fur baby to rest, because we couldn´t take him to the office. On your way to our home you saw a rainbow and stopped to take a photo of it, because you said it was our precious Indy crossing over the rainbow bridge. You sent us that photo and we have had that photo out as a reminder of your thoughtfulness and caring ways, since that day.
How truly special you were, one of a kind, a jewel and we are all mourning your loss. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel and we all will remember that angel and how she touched each and every one of our lives.
Thank you PJ for everything! May you rest in peace my dear. We love you and will miss you terribly.
God bless your family and friends as we grieve your loss with them. Until we meet again.
Karen Ebner
January 5, 2025
PJ, can't believe that you left as so soon. I will never forget all the loving care the you gave to ALL my animals over many, many years. I will never forget all the long phone calls & time we shared about our special pets. Last time we saw each other was at Sam's Club in the Spring and we got caught up. I know that you are up there taking care of all our pets. Rest in peace. You deserve it! , Karen Ebner
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Kathy Wygant
January 4, 2025
Dr. Palumbo took good care of my cats & turtle, (& me by association) at Glenwood....her expertise, compassion & kindness were obvious & so much appreciated. I am saddened to learn of her passing, & send sincerest condolences to her friends & loved ones.
Neil Polumbo
January 2, 2025
A crazy fact about PJ is she actually had enough credits to leave high school after her junior year. I had graduated the previous year and chose to take a break before entering university. PJ and I actually started taking classes the same year @ University of Pittsburgh. Titusville, Pa. Campus. I was old enough to drive so her and I would travel from Tionesta to Titusville every day in my 1974 AMC Gremlin. In between classes she spent all of her time with her nose in a book while I sprawled in the back seat catching up on my sleep!
Sue Winschel
January 1, 2025
My Dear PJ: The lives you have touched cannot be measured; the kindness you have shown cannot be matched. What an honor and a blessing to be your friend for so many years!
Fly high, my friend, with all the creatures of your eclectic family...until we meet again Love, Sue
Mark Minier
January 1, 2025
Rest in Peace PJ. You will be missed.
Micheline Succi
January 1, 2025
I´m so sad to read this because PJ was such a light to anybody that met her. I was lucky to know her for a short time, but she made an impact and I felt lucky. I hope she didn´t suffer because she didn´t deserve to. My condolences to Cecilia.
Mich, from Boyd Chiropractic
Jennifer Salandra
December 31, 2024
My deepest sympathies for Dr. PJ´s family. She was a brilliant and very giving person and I am grateful for having known her, having worked with her for so long at the zoo. She will be missed!
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845 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16504
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