Phyllis Ann Lomitola of Montauk could often be found walking on the beaches and in the woods of Montauk, shoes off, taking in nature. Sunrises and sunsets were her favorite times of day in the hamlet, where she lived with her husband of 47 years, John Lomitola.
She made friends easily, and they would stay in touch for many years, Mr. Lomitola said. "She loved people. She loved to be around people and to counsel people in trouble, and was always giving her heartfelt best. . . . Her personality was one of unity and compassion and forgiveness, and it was infectious."
Ms. Lomitola died on Oct. 20 in Tennessee, where she had been visiting family and receiving medical care while ill with breast cancer — her third bout with cancer in all, after facing melanoma 30 years ago and bladder cancer 12 years ago. She was 70.
She and her husband married in January of 1977. They shared a wanderlust and began to travel the world, visiting Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, most of Europe, and South America, and they once spent four weeks in China.
Ms. Lomitola had a long career with Gurney's Resorts as a manager of banquet sales and conferences. She had arrived in Montauk at the age of 14 to work for the company, which at the time was owned by a relative. She and her husband, who also worked for Gurney's, retired together in 2015.
She was born in Brooklyn on Dec. 30, 1953, to Angelo P. Montemarano and the former Gladys Mayo. She was educated through the eighth grade at St. Bernadette Catholic Academy in Brooklyn and graduated from East Hampton High School in 1971. She went on to attend Dowling College in Oakdale.
Ms. Lomitola was careful with her nutrition, stayed in shape with her trampoline and by practicing yoga, and was involved with HealingStrong, a network of holistic health support groups.
She was "probably the best grandma I have ever seen in my life," her husband said, recalling the many times she got down on the floor and played with dolls and Legos with their five grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and their grandchildren, Ms. Lomitola is survived by a son, Jonathan Lomitola of Lido Beach, and a daughter, Nicole Hiller of San Diego. She also leaves two brothers, Paul Monte of Montauk and Angelo (Chip) Monte of Highland Beach, Fla., and two sisters, Teresa Biscardi of North Bellmore and Ann Marie Pallan of Dandridge, Tenn.
She was active in the congregations of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Montauk, where a funeral Mass was said on Sunday, and Emmanuel Catholic Church of Delray Beach, Fla. She was buried on Sunday at Fort Hill Cemetery in Montauk.
Memorial donations have been suggested to HealingStrong, 1862 Auburn Road, Suite 118-I, Dacula, Ga. 30019.
