Phyllis S. King

Phyllis S. King, 92, of Oneida Castle, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 14, 2025, with her daughter at her side, at the Extended Care Facility of Oneida Health Care.

Born in Oneida, on December 25, 1932, the daughter of Stewart V. and Mary Mildred Dunn Smith, Phyllis was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a graduate of Oneida High School and Marywood College and later earned a Master's Degree from Elmira College and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA. Upon graduation from Marywood College, she accepted a year fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MI, serving as a Dietician for the hospital. Later, she accepted a position as a Dietician at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. Prior to her retirement in 1998, Phyllis was a teacher at Stockbridge Valley Central School and then, Principal of SVCS and served as the CSE chair until 2000. There she was best known as Mrs. King and left a deeply lasting impact on her students and the greater Stockbridge community. She had previously been employed by the Rochester City School District, St. Patrick's School and was a substitute teacher for the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District. She was a respected member of the Regional Elementary Principals Group. She was an inspirational leader and mentor to her colleagues in the field of educational leadership.

Phyllis was an avid reader and was a member and past president of the Progress Club, a member of the former Catholic Daughters of America Court 1250, the NYS United Teachers, the NYS United Retired Teachers, member and past president of the St. Patrick's Parents Club and Brownie Troop Leader of the Girl Scouts of America. Phyllis was a devoted Catholic and a communicant of St. Patrick's Church in Oneida, a place where she was very active and a well-known figure in the parish community.

Known as Mrs. King to many, Aunt Phyllis to others, Grammy and Mom to a few, she will be remembered by all as the wonderful woman she strived to be every day. She was an intelligent, sweet, outgoing and generous woman who took a genuine interest in others. The strength she had and the love she showed were inspirational. Phyllis had a great sense of humor and a sharply positive outlook on life. Phyllis took pleasure in any lively discussion she could be a part of, especially ones that involved a hearty laugh. Most of all, she reveled being in the company of her loved ones, where she was always at the heart and center of her family. Her great skills as a cook and hostess shined during her favorite time of the year, Christmas. It was especially important and special to Phyllis to host Christmas day dinner, which is also her birthday. She will be remembered most for the ever-infectious joy she spread to all those who knew her.

Phyllis is survived by her adored daughter, Christine Calogero; devoted son-in-law, Michael Calogero; beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Clare; very special nephews and niece, William S. (Maureen) Helmer, of Delmar, Stephen (Susan) Helmer, of Manlius, Mary Claire Helmer (Ethan Sewell), of Morrisville and Michael (Lori) Helmer, of Summit, NJ. Phyllis is also survived by her many grand-nieces and grand-nephews and their children, Billy, Katie and Elizabeth Helmer, John (Jackie) Helmer, Maura (Jack) Conway, Caroline (Jimmy) Langhurst, Meg (Mike) Costello, Annie (Nicolas) Barbera, Michael (Kelly Waters) Helmer, Jr., Grace Catherine, Andrew, Christopher and Daniel Helmer and Mary, Grace Elizabeth and Sean Lynch; and many other devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her adored son, John J. King, Jr., in 1995; cherished sister, Joan S. Helmer, in 2010; brother-in-law, Dr. William F. Helmer, in 2014; and Eileen Kenny Helmer, in 2006, all of whom she loved very dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. from the Campbell-Dean Funeral Home, Inc., 260 Main St., Oneida and 11:00 a.m. from St. Joseph's Church, Oneida, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Reverend James Buttner. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Campbell-Dean Funeral Home, Inc., 260 Main St., Oneida on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 1:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank the many healthcare professionals and caregivers who cared for Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oneida Castle Fire Department, the Phyllis King Educational Scholarship at Stockbridge Valley Central School or the Guardians of St. Patrick's School.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.campbell-dean.com.