Obituary of Phyllis Hage

Mrs. Phyllis “Phil” Hage, 93, of Amsterdam passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital.  She was born on October 6, 1926 in Watervliet, NY to Joseph and Marcella Giaquinto.

Phyllis grew up in Watervliet, NY with her parents and her sister Margaret.  She graduated from High school in 1944 and began her life long career as a secretary. 

In 1950 she decided to enlist in the Navy.  On a visit to Amsterdam to see her cousin Molly, she met and fell in love with Cecil Hage.  She gave up her plans to become a WAVE and she and Cecil married on November 21, 1951. 

She went to work for Montgomery County Department of Social Services in 1952.  Phyllis retired in 1985, then accepted a part time position with the District Attorney’s office where she worked until 2017 at 91 years old.  She enjoyed her job and had a special place in her heart for her co-workers who she was proud to call her friends. 

She had her first child, daughter Cheryl in 1953, followed by her son Joe in 1955 and her “baby” David in 1961.  She was very proud of her family always acknowledging their accomplishments and attending every event they participated in.  You would always see her cheering on the sidelines for her sons and sitting in the first row for shows and activities her daughter was in. 

When she became a grandmother, then a great grandmother and a great-great grandmother she was so proud.  As with her children, she was always there for them. 

Family and friends were her priority and love of her life.  She enjoyed her life to the fullest.  She loved traveling, bowling, bocce, parties and visits with her many friends and family.  She was most recently a member of the Mt. Carmel at Port Jackson Bocce Club and the St. John’s Women’s Bowling League. 

Her faith was very important to her and was a member of St. Mary’s Church for seventy years. 

Many have said to know her was to love her.  That could not be more true.  Her soft smile and her gentle laughter will be missed.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Cecil, her sister Margaret, and many friends she considered family.

Surviving is her Daughter Cheryl, her son Joe (Sybelis) Hage and son David (Desiree) Hage.   Grandchildren include PJ (Christine) Perez, Kara (Brian) Ribar, Bradley (Michelle) Hage, Nicole Hage, Jordyn (Jesus), Joey Hage, and Matty Hage.  Great grandchildren Zachary Perez, Colby Hartz, Darren Perez, Cheryl and William Ribar, Gabriel Hage, Oliver Padilla and one Great-great grandson Brandt Perez.  She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates a donation to Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, an organization that Phyllis proudly supported.  Donations can be sent to: VCHC, 20 Prospect Street, Suite 313 Ballston Spa, NY 12020.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 12p.m. at Historic St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY with the Rev. Jeffrey L’Arche M.S. as celebrant.  Calling hours will be held call prior to the Mass beginning at 9a.m. in the church.  Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

Due to Covid-19, social distancing protocols will be in place and a mask is required for all events.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com