Phyllis J. Vukelich, 74, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, surrounded by her family after succumbing to her courageous battle with cancer. Heaven has gained an angel!

Born in Newark, she has resided in the Port Reading section of Woodbridge Township for the past 39 years. She graduated from Weequahic High School in 1960. After graduation she worked as a billing clerk for Public Service, Electric & Gas Company for 9 years and was a secretary at Woodbridge Developmental Center from 1986 until 1988 through their foster grandparent program. Though employed through intervals in her life, her grandest achievements derived from her heart. She was an extraordinarily nurturing, faithful and loving wife and mother, but she reveled most in the presence of her grandchildren, of which she delighted in most of all. Cherishing them joyously, they were her most favored accomplishment and she granted them a lifetime of her unending love, patience and wisdom.

Phyllis was a selfless humanitarian who fully gave of herself, displaying her loyalty, devotion and compassionate kindness to all who called upon her. Her loved ones will forever remember her for her endless acts of kindness and loving heart, and for her distinct ability for putting others need before her own.

She also enjoyed, aside from spending time with her family and friends, cross stitch, playing the slot machines at Atlantic City, reading, doing crossword puzzles and walking with her neighborhood friends. She had a passionate love for songs from her youth: doo wop music always held a special place in her heart, especially her favorite group, the Duprees. Those who knew her will always remember her cheering for her beloved Yankees and will miss her delicious cooking, especially her big pot of "gravy" and macaroni.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Anthony Vitale and Elaine Angrisani Vitale; brother-in-law, Marco Vukelich and niece, Linda Ryan.

She is survived by her husband and true love of 48 years Peter Vukelich, Jr.; two daughters, Michele Vukelich and Kristi Schwartz and her husband, Eric; a son, Peter Vukelich; three brothers, Charles Vitale and his wife, Kathy, Anthony Vitale and his wife, Carlota and Gerald Vitale and his wife Carol; a sister-in-law, Ruth Vukelich; her grandchildren who she loved more than life itself, Kaitlyn Hoff, Hayley and Brendan Schwartz; two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Alivia Hassler; many adored cousins, nieces and nephews who she loved dearly; and her very close and special neighbors, Joannie, Annie, Maria, Ronnie, Eileen and Fred.

The funeral will take place on SaturDay, May 7, 2016 at 12:15 p.m. from Costello-Greiner Funeral Home ( www.costello-greiner.com ), 44 Green Street at Barron Avenue, Woodbridge. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 436 Port Reading Avenue, Port Reading. Cremation will be private. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.