Obituary of Phyllis A. Hatala

Phyllis Ann (Novitske) Hatala entered into eternal rest on September 10th, 2025. Born June 5th, 1938, Phyllis was the second of eight children of Leonard and Anne Novitske. She is survived by her six children: Pam (Bill) Scannell, Mark (Jennifer) Hatala, Jeff (Carolyn) Hatala, Nicole (Joe) Ranieri, Kristi (Tom) Lomonaco, and Peter (Erica) Hatala. "Meema" was blessed with nineteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Daniel, Charles and Dennis (Kathy) Novitske, extended family and many friends who loved her dearly. Phyllis is now reunited in heaven with her beloved Peter, her parents, brothers and sister. Phyllis graduated from Johnson City High School and modeled for Ansco Film Co. She married Peter, the love of her life, after he poured her first drink at St. John's Social Club. They stayed happily married for 63 years and together raised their children in faith and traditions at St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Phyllis was the heart of our family. A devoted mother who poured her love into everything she did. She had a special way of making everyone feel at home, and her warmth and generosity touched countless lives. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her family especially during holidays, spontaneous get-togethers, or vacations. She loved her time in Kiawah and St. Petersburg. She was a talented cook and baker, a golfer with two holes-in-one, and an avid tennis player. She had a passion for slot machines, shopping and the expertise for finding the perfect gift. Phyllis's legacy of "Sarge" will live on forever. Her kindness, laughter and unconditional love will never be forgotten. She will be missed beyond words. The family will receive friends at J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, NY on Sunday, September 14th from 2 - 4 pm. Father Ivan Synevskyy will offer a Panakhyda service at 3:45 pm. A Funeral service will be celebrated at St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1 St. John Pkwy on Monday, September 15th at 10 am. Burial will be in St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phyllis's memory to St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1 St. John Pkwy, Johnson City, NY 13790. Memory Eternal Phyllis, Vichnaya Pamyat.