Mrs. Phyllis P. (Della Gala) Leuthauser

Mrs. Phyllis P. (Della Gala) Leuthauser, age 63, passed into the arms of those who went before her on October 6, 2014. She passed with her children and loved ones by her side and in the hearts of those who were not able to be present. Born in Utica on May 10, 1951, Phyllis was the daughter of Mildred P. “Millie” (Sopo) and the late Joseph D. Della Gala. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy/Class of 1969. On February 9, 1980 she married Gerald Leuthauser and to their marriage came the blessing of two children. Phyllis spent time in Germany where she worked as a civilian for the United States Army in an administrative capacity. She later returned to the Utica area and was employed by Bank of America as a Customer Service Representative. Phyllis was constant in her care and concern for those she loved. She found the time to attend all her children’s important events and served as the Assistant Coach for the Mount Markham Pop Warner football team where she was affectionately nicknamed “Coach Mom." Phyllis was extremely passionate in this endeavor and especially enjoyed this time in her life. Although she was free-spirited and easy going, her life was grounded by her faith and her unique spirituality. She was an avid reader of mystical and metaphysical novels, and she understood the many paths to spiritual enlightenment. She channeled this perspective by frequently sending thoughtful cards to friends and loved ones that glimmered with glitter, she fancied as fairy-dust, hoping this would provide their life with positive energy. She had a love for all animals, especially her feline friend, Fletcher. She honored the peace of Autumn, the season of Halloween, and treasured the times together with her family for the holidays. Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Marjorie Rose Leuthauser and fiancé Jason Cruger; her son, Nolan Leuthauser and Sarah Leight; her spouse, Jerry; her mother, Millie; and her sisters, Jodi Miller, and Denise Gaffney and fiancé Patrick Pickard. She will also be remembered in the hearts of her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, Mary Della Gala, Connie Della Gala, and Angeline Penge; her uncle Joseph Colicci; her in-laws; and her longtime friend Barbara Grippo with whom she kept in touch to the end; they were “book ends” who held together the memories and good times shared between them. She was predeceased by her many uncles and aunts whom she cared for unrelentingly. Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 1:00–4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, donations in Phyllis’ name may be considered to the Mt. Markham Pop Warner Football Program; envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be directed to P.O. Box 279, West Winfield, NY 13491. Phyllis’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will follow graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mrs. Phyllis P. (Della Gala) Leuthauser

May 10, 1951 - October 6, 2014