Gina D. Cirincione

Gina D. Cirincione, formerly Gina D. Phillips, was born on July 29, 1948 in Oceanside, New York to parents Howard L. Phillips and Rhoma Blaustein Phillips. She was raised with her sister Tobi Phillips, primarily in Centerport, New York on Gina Drive. She graduated from Harborfields High School in 1966 and attended Syracuse University. Gina married Donald C. Cirincione, who predeceased her, and together they raised two children, Carrie S. Schildknecht and Sonny J. Cirincione.

She lived in Kings Park, New York from 1975 onward and devoted her professional life to teaching as a substitute in the Kings Park School District, an art teacher for Suffolk BOCES in Dix Hills and Nassau BOCES in Upper Brookville, as well as working as a tutor and for the IRS and H&R Block. Gina’s life was grounded in compassion, love, humor, and deep devotion to her family, especially her father Howard. She cherished her children and grandchildren equally, making each one feel uniquely special. Her wit, rebellious spirit, intelligence, and ability to connect with anyone left a lasting impression on her beloved friends and family, including Janet Von Haussen, her sister-in-law Ellen Sotomayer, Barbara Betts, Pat Dose, Pat Young, George Markowsky, Harry and Joanie Hanson, and many others.

An accomplished artist who loved to draw, paint, sculpt, and crochet, Gina found her greatest peace at Hemlock Hall on Blue Mountain Lake, New York, where she enjoyed the quiet beauty of nature and the calls of the loons. She had a deep affection for animals and is now reunited with her cherished Rusty, Shadow, Lady, and Derby. Above all, Gina will be remembered as a phenomenal mother, loving grandmother and mother-in-law, dedicated and loyal friend, wonderful sister and daughter, and devoted wife to Donald. The world was a better place because of her, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.