Phyllis Ann Kleinsmith

Phyllis Ann Kleinsmith — affectionately known as “Phee” — passed away surrounded by her loved ones on June 4th, 2021 at the age of 72, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Phyllis was born to Jack and Frances Trunzo on January 5, 1949. She grew up in Sag Harbor, attending St. Andrew’s for grade school and later Sacred Heart Academy for high school. She made many lifelong friends at both schools, and at an early age established her place within the fabric of the Sag 
Harbor community.

In 1970 Phyllis took a trip to Florida to visit one of these friends; this trip changed the course of her life in the best possible way. It was there that she met her future husband, Howard Kleinsmith III . Howard left his home in Pennsylvania and settled in Sag Harbor with Phyllis, and they started their family. They had a daughter, Audrey (married to Rich Schiavoni), and a son, Howie (married to Debbie Lester).

Phyllis’ biggest claim to fame in Sag Harbor is her “Famous Potato Salad” which she made for Schiavoni’s IGA for 20 years. Anyone who has tasted it can tell you it is truly special and there is none better anywhere. She lovingly and painstakingly hand peeled hundreds of pounds of potatoes and mixed all the ingredients with care. Every forkful contained the love and dedication she put into every batch. Her acts of service did not end there. Phyllis also worked for Cormaria Retreat House for 35 years, where she made sure every guest felt at home and comfortable in their rooms for the duration of their stay. Phyllis loved to serve her community; whether at work or during her personal time, she had this wonderful ability to make others feel comfortable and content. She was also very devoted to 
her faith, volunteering for Cormaria’s events when she was not working, and attending evenings of prayer. Phyllis lived a life of humble service — to her family, to her community, and to her faith.

Phyllis had several jobs throughout her life, but the job she was most proud of was that of wife, mom, and grandma. Her love and devotion to her family was constant and unwavering. She cherished her grandsons Aaron (Schiavoni), Carter (Kleinsmith) and step-granddaughter Faith (Daniels). She was always front and center at every baseball game, school play, or awards ceremony.

One of Phyllis’ favorite nuggets of wisdom to share was “don’t tiptoe through life.” She lived by example, making tough choices throughout her life and always sticking to her guns, and she encouraged her family and friends to do the same. She was a voice of insight and wisdom, a shoulder to cry on, sometimes some much-needed comic relief, and the perfect shopping buddy. To put it simply, she was home; she made loved ones and strangers alike feel welcome, comfortable, and loved.

In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, Phyllis is survived by her sister, Rosemary Mitchell, her nieces and nephews John, Andrea, Michael, Maureen, and Ted, as well as many cousins and friends.

Donations in memory of Phyllis can be made to Cormaria Retreat House: P.O. Box 1993, Sag Harbor.