Phyllis M. Protopapa 1940-2026

She was born Aug. 27, 1940, in Youngstown, the daughter of Paul V. and Ann Simon Toker.

Phyllis was a proud graduate of Ursuline High School and 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 married the love of her life, John Protopapa, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2016.

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.

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 9 to 10:25 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

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

Burial will follow in Poland Riverside Cemetery, Poland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Phyllis’ name to COTA.org/COTAforTeam.JacobB, or by check to Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 W. COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN 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’ family.

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