Phyllis Marie Protopapa

Poland - Phyllis Marie Protopapa, 85, of Poland, passed away on January 26, 2026.

She was born on August 27, 1940 in Youngstown and was a proud graduate of Ursuline High School. She was employed with the City of Youngstown as a clerk at City Hall and later at Floral Plus. Blessed with a lifelong sweet tooth, her favorite job was behind the candy counter at Fannie Farmer Chocolates.

Phyllis enjoyed playing cards with her family and would always win! She also enjoyed listening to country music, and gardening, but she was happiest caring for her husband and family. The kitchen was the heart of the home and her baking always kept the family connected, especially during her legendary Thanksgiving dinners. Her apple pie was baked with love and became a staple for the family. Her cherished handwritten, stain-covered recipes are a legacy her family will treasure forever. Phyllis is now at peace, reunited with her husband.

Phyllis married the love of her life, John Protopapa, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage, before his passing in 2016.

She is survived by their nine children: John (Debbie) Protopapa, Donna (Mike Cernigliaro) Protopapa, Debbie (Ray Sikora) Protopapa, Joann (Jason Carmody) Douglas, Sandy (Joe) Pulcini, Barbara (Sean Barron) Protopapa, Julie (Steve) Boyle, Joe (Kathy) Protopapa, and Rocco Protopapa. Phyllis was also a devoted grandmother to Mike and Michelle Protopapa; Samantha (Tony), Marilyn (Brian), and Page (Abby) Douglas; Carter and Jacob Boyle; and Ana and Jackson Protopapa. She was also "Gigi" to her great-grandson Luca Furano. She is survived by her siblings John "Butch" (Alberta) Toker, Nancy Pfund, and Carol Testa, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Phyllis was preceded in death by her brothers Robert Toker and Paul "Zeke" Toker, and her sister Charlotte Quigley.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 9:00 am until 10:25 am at Rossi Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

There will be a prayer service held on Friday at 10:30 am followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am at St. Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell St., Youngstown, with Father John Jerek officiating.

Burial will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery., Poland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Phyllis's name to COTA.org/COTAforTeam.JacobB or by check to:

Children's Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, Indiana 47403

Please reference Team JacobB.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guestbook, or send condolences to Phyllis’s family.

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