Phyllis Vacanti

Obituary Phyllis E. Vacanti (nee Ahles), 92, of Newport, NC and a native of Buffalo, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport. Beloved wife of the late Frank A. Vacanti; loving mother of Mark Vacanti of Morehead City, NC, Gary Vacanti and his wife Debbie of Cowlesville, NY, Lisa Weisenburg and her husband Raymond of Newport, NC, and the late Michael Vacanti; cherished grandmother of George Fischer of NY; Amy Hess and husband Andy of NY; William "Bill" Fischer and wife Kimberly of AK; RaeAnne Thom and husband Brian of SC; and Jennifer "Renee" Atcheson and husband John of SC. She is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Linda Ahles of Springville, NY; and numerous cousins and nieces. She was preceded in death not only by husband Frank and son Michael, but also by her parents, Clayton and Edna Ahles, her siblings Della Rinaldi, Elaine Underhill, Richard Ahles, and Georgia Ahles, and sister-in-law Clara Vacanti-Hickey. Phyllis was a member of the Catholic Church as well as Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and the AMVETS and VFW Auxiliaries. She volunteered for many years with local hospitals, the American Red Cross, and the American Heart Association. She loved watching hockey and baseball and was an avid reader and lover of books. She was known as a very crafty person who enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting, doll making, pottery, wood carving, and millinery. She also enjoyed baking and cake decorating for family weddings and special events. She loved the change of seasons and especially Christmas. Above all else, she loved family and being a wife, a mom, a grandma, and a great-grandma and was devoted to these roles. Funeral arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC and Demmerley Funeral Home of Hamburg, NY. Family and friends called at the Donald M. Demmerly Funeral Home in Hamburg, NY on Wednesday, October 7, and a Mass of Christian Burial was held at SS Peter & Paul RC Church, Hamburg, NY, on Thursday, October 8. The family would like to thank Phyllis' friends and neighbors in the Castle Glen community, and the many people who volunteer their time to the Newport Meals On Wheels through the St. James United Methodist Church, for the kindness and support they have shown over the years; the wonderful, caring staff at Carteret Health Care, Vident Medical Center, Crystal Coast Family Practice, Carolina East Heart Center, and Crystal Coast Hospice House for their care and compassion, and to friends and church family for the outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Phyllis Vacanti to the American Heart Association or to the Alzheimer's Association. You may also share your condolences online at www.noebrooks.net or www.demmerleyfuneralhome.com Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Phyllis Vacanti