Mrs. Phyllis A. (Forte) Matyevich

UTICA/SYRACUSE – Mrs. Phyllis A. (Forte) Matyevich, age 91, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Born in Utica on April 14, 1933, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Martin and Congetta “Connie” (Baretta) Forte. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School and furthered her studies at the New York State College for Teachers in Albany, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. On July 20, 1957, Phyllis married her husband, Peter Matyevich. From this wonderful marriage came the blessings of their two daughters. Their time together, however, was shortened when Peter passed away on August 16, 1988. Phyllis forever held close in her heart fond memories of Peter. Following her education, Phyllis began her career teaching high school science. For most of her teaching career, she taught Fifth Grade at Kemble School in Utica. Phyllis had a true love and devotion to educating children, as well as herself, as she was an avid reader. Phyllis was very family oriented. She loved her family above all else, and they knew how blessed they were to have that love. If Phyllis loved you, you could do no wrong in her eyes. She was confident that her family was perfect. Phyllis also possessed a very generous soul. She always provided for those around her to the best of her ability. Phyllis had a great sense of humor and was unafraid to share it with anyone. In her earlier years, Phyllis enjoyed traveling, once taking her daughters and niece to Italy, and another time traveling as far as Japan with her husband. Wherever life took her, she was proud of her Utica heritage and her time as a parishioner at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Her favorite pastime, though, was spending time with her grandchildren, who she loved more than anything. Phyllis is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Elaine Matyevich and Bill Leberman. She held close to her heart the memory of her wonderful daughter, Linda Galloway, who passed away on November 27, 2023. She is survived by her son-in-law, Jim Galloway; and her grandchildren and their partners, Katie Galloway Cunning and Kyle Cunning, Peter Galloway and Mackenzie Quenneville, and Annie Galloway and Taylor Thorig. She fondly remembered her siblings and their spouses who preceded her, Elaine and Dion Shaw, Sr., and Martin Jr. and Nancy Forte. She is additionally survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many members of the Leberman family. She had a special place in her heart for her cousin Ricky Nicotera. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff at Iroquois Skilled Nursing Community for their exceptional care and compassion. Phyllis’ family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Phyllis’ honor may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association online at www.alz.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Phyllis A. (Forte) Matyevich

April 14, 1933 - January 11, 2025