Philomena Rose (Macario) Pizzo

Philomena Rose Pizzo (nee Macario) passed away January 6, 2025.

Philomena was born on March 21, 1928 in Philadelphia to Giulio and Maria Christina (D’Agostino) Macario. She had three siblings who have passed before her: Carmela (Michael), Frank, and Mary (Sylvester). Philomena was married to the late Alfred Frank (BooBoo) Pizzo. They had 3 children: Phyllis (Gerry-deceased), Francis (deceased), and Maria (Stephen). She has 7 grandchildren: Andrew (Manon), Matthew (Jen), Elizabeth (Marc), Emily (Brian), Maria, Amy (John), and Sarah (Marcus). She was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren. Philomena also loved her Fur Grand babies: Olive, Basil, Lucky ( deceased) and Wishbone( deceased). 

Up until the last 12 years of her life she lived in Tacony and was an active member of Our Lady of Consolation (OLC) Parish. Philomena attended OLC elementary school and graduated in 1943. She continued to St Hubert’s High School for Girls and graduated in 1947. She had aspirations to continue her education and become a nurse. With the financial assistance of her brother Frank, she was able to attend St Mary’s Hospital Diploma School for Nursing in Frankford. After graduating, Philomena remained at St Mary’s and began her nursing career in labor and delivery. In later years, she talked about all the babies that she helped deliver, especially the twins and triplets. She remained a labor and delivery nurse for many years before focusing her attention towards raising her family. Many years later, she used her nursing skills to work for her brother-in-law, Dr. Ferringo, as a dental assistant. 

On September 22, 1951 Philomena married the love her life, Alfred Frank (BooBoo) Pizzo. They were married for 46 years. Theirs was a loving marriage and a fine example for their children and grandchildren. They were very supportive of their children’s careers. As grandchildren came along, they enjoyed spending much time with them. They loved going to each soccer game, dance recital, and trip to Ocean City, New Jersey. After BooBoo passed, Philomena traveled to many away tournaments; she went everywhere with her family including many trips abroad. She was such an important part of her grandchildren’s lives and became “Nanny Pizzo” to many of their friends. 

Philomena and BooBoo’s home was the gathering place for family and friends alike. On Sundays, there would be gravy on the stove with meatballs and sausage ready, the smell wafting throughout the house. Everyone knew they were invited to visit unannounced each week. 

A big part of Philomena’s life was her devotion to the church. She was a member of The Ladies of Charity, organizing many fundraisers. Phil helped to organize and run the annual Spaghetti Supper, Fashion Show, Feast of the Saints; she would always put together the Basket of Cheer. Some of you may know her as the “Cherry Bell“ lady for selling these at many of the different events. Phil also loved to spend the week before Holy Week making palm sprays to sell on Palm Sunday. OLC is one of the few parishes that maintains this wonderful tradition. For many years Phil also was a teaching assistant at OLC for Mrs. Donatelli’s kindergarten class. 

Philomena was a loving, caring, spunky woman who touched many more lives than she will ever know. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing from 9:00 to 10:45 and Funeral Mass at 11:00 , on Tuesday, Jauary 14th, at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 7051 Tulip St., Phila., PA 19135. Interment will follow at St Dominic Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the Dementia Society of America 

https://www.dementiasociety.org 

Dementia Society of America 

PO Box 600

Doylestown, PA 18901

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