Obituary of Phyllis A Santonastaso

Santonastaso, Phyllis (nee Cappucci) age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2020, after a long illness. Phyllis was born to the late Anne and Louis Cappucci on November 9, 1938 in Paterson, NJ. She graduated from Benedictine Academy in Paterson and then went on to become a registered nurse from St. Joseph's School of Nursing. She worked at St. Joseph's Hospital, Paterson for 42 years primarily as an OB-GYN nurse. After retiring from the hospital, she later worked at an Adult Day Care Center in Nutley and also for Dr. Garber for a few years. When she officially retired from nursing, she volunteered at St. Joseph's Hospital in Wayne, and was involved in the Wayne Twigs. She also was a member of the St. Joseph's Nurses Alumni Association. In addition, Phyllis volunteered her time at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa for more than 20 years. Phyllis was predeceased by her first husband, John Santonastaso in 2003 and then to her second husband, Lawrence Orbe in 2016. She is survived by her children, AnnMarie Abene (Mark) and Vincent Santonastaso (Jacqueline), four grandchildren, Alison Dahlhaus (Christopher), Amanda Abene, James and Leah Santonastaso, her brother, Patrick Cappucci (Veronica) and Larry Orbe, Jr. and his wife Kathy, plus many relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's Hospital for Children. Phyllis was a devoted Catholic and took care of many relatives and friends in their time of need and now she will be taken care of by our Lord. She will be deeply missed by all. A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. James R.C. Church, Totowa. Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa is in charge of the arrangements.