Phyllis A. Benedetto

Phyllis A. Benedetto passed away peacefully at Geisinger Medical Center on August 31, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children.

Born on August 4, 1944, Phyllis was the daughter of Edward and Victoria (Christian) Kishela, who preceded her in death.

Phyllis graduated from Shamokin High School in 1962.

On December 28, 1963, she married Michael Benedetto at the former St. Joseph’s Church in Shamokin.

She was a member of Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont.

Phyllis loved so many people, but she had a special place in her heart for her godchild Amy McAllister-Frank.

She was a guest resident at Sunbury Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing, where she gained a second family who took wonderful care of her. Travis, Destiny and Jenna, along with so many others, held a special place in her heart.

Phyllis had quite a few nicknames, but she was mostly fond of “Kwak”, “Flip”, “Philly” and “The Old Bird”.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mike (Sonny) Benedetto; three children, Michael and Lori (Swatski) Benedetto of Summerville, South Carolina; Vikki Benedetto of Kulpmont; Karen and Steve Heiber of Kulpmont.

Her grandchildren, Amanda Flynn of Trevorton; Matthew Benedetto of Millersburg; Nicholas Benedetto of Millersburg; Alek Washuta of Las Vegas, Nevada; Jonathan Washuta of West Palm Beach, Florida.

Great-grandchildren, Blake Heintzelman; Makenzie Flynn; Tyler Flynn; Elliana Winfield; Avaylia Benedetto; Oliver Benedetto.

She is survived by four siblings.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shamokin Coal-Township Public Library, 210 E Independence St., Lower Level, Shamokin, PA 17872, or the ASPCA. Arrangements are in the care of C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut Street, Kulpmont, PA 17834, Ashley Paige Doyle, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com