Filomena “Phyllis” (Costello) Ferraiuolo obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Filomena “Phyllis” (Costello) Ferraiuolo, 73 of Guilford passed away March 18, 2026 at NYU Langone Tisch Hospital in NYC. She was born November 14, 1952 in New Haven to Frank and Rose (Cretella) Costello. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, Gaetano “Tommy” Ferraiuolo and her two children; Frank Furino (Dr. Sara Furino) of Wallingford and Rose Furino of Shelton. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Paolella of New Haven, former husband, Joseph Furino of Westbrook and numerous nieces/nephews.

Filomena is preceded in death by her parents and two siblings; Joseph Costello and Frank Costello.

Phyllis spent most of her life in East Haven, where she raised her children and created a home centered on family, tradition, and connection. Early in her career she found success in real estate, becoming the owner of multiple properties and working as both a buyer, seller, and landlord. While she took pride in those accomplishments, her true priority during those years was being present for her children. She often said she measured her success in life by how her children turned out, and she considered that her greatest achievement.

Later in life, Phyllis returned to school and earned degrees in psychology and nursing, ultimately becoming a Registered Nurse. She found her greatest professional fulfillment working as a Nurse Case Manager, where her warmth, humor, and genuine interest in people allowed her to advocate for patients and help them receive the care they needed. Her compassion extended well beyond her professional life. She was always ready to offer thoughtful guidance and quiet support to friends and family, often helping others without ever seeking recognition. She believed deeply in showing up for others when they needed it most.

Family was always at the center of Phyllis’s life. She loved bringing people together and especially cherished hosting holidays, with Christmas holding a special place in her heart. She surrounded herself with reminders of the people she loved, proudly displaying photographs of family and memories on her famous picture wall. Alongside it was her treasured collection of Starbucks mugs brought back to her by Frank and Sara from their travels around the world, each one holding special meaning to her. She was deeply proud of Frank and Sara and always considered Sara one of her own children, a relationship that began in childhood and grew into a lifelong bond. She shared a uniquely close relationship with her daughter Rose that extended beyond mother and daughter into true friendship. They loved spending time together, sharing their love of fashion, and going out together whenever they could. She also shared a deeply close relationship with her husband Tommy, who was not only her partner but her caretaker and lifelong friend. He brought her constant laughter, cared for her with extraordinary devotion, cooked for her with love, and made sure she arrived early to every appointment throughout her illness. She also valued deeply the time she spent with her sister Mary, with whom she shared many happy hours together over the years. Frank often said she was his biggest fan, and she supported the people she loved with a kind of encouragement that made them feel capable of anything.

Phyllis was the person family members relied on to keep everyone connected, often serving as both the organizer and the diplomat who helped hold relationships together. Loyal, honest, and deeply protective of those closest to her, she had a unique ability to be both strong-willed and gentle at the same time, a combination that made people trust her deeply.

A black belt in martial arts, Phyllis carried a quiet toughness and determination that reflected the way she lived her life and supported the people she loved. She was social and outgoing, loved animals, and especially enjoyed time near the ocean, where she spent many happy hours fishing and crabbing along the Connecticut shoreline. She also enjoyed listening to Andrea Bocelli, spending time at the casino with her sister Mary and her husband Tommy, and watching her favorite movie, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Her Catholic faith was a constant source of strength throughout her life. While living in North Branford she often walked to church several times each week, and even later in Guilford, when illness made mobility difficult, she remained determined to attend Mass whenever she was able. Over several years she faced serious illness with remarkable courage and resilience. She made countless trips to New York City for specialized care, often traveling with oxygen and extraordinary determination. Even during her most difficult moments, she remained focused on reassuring others that she was strong. She never asked for sympathy and instead continued to show gratitude and kindness to caregivers and first responders by sending food and treats as a gesture of appreciation. Her strength, optimism, and faith allowed her to defy expectations and remain present for the people she loved throughout her illness. She was deeply proud of her Italian heritage and carried its traditions of family, faith, generosity, and love throughout her life.

Family will receive friends on Friday April 10, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. All are invited to meet and attend a 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday April 11 in St. George Catholic Church, 33 Whitefield Street, Guilford CT. Please go directly to the church on Saturday. Burial will be private. Contributions may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 350, Chicago IL 60606 in memory of Filomena Ferraiuolo.