Sister Phyllis Theresa Franzo, C.S.J., a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 61 years, died Jan. 9.

She entered the congregation from St. Mary Mother of Jesus parish, Bensonhurst, and obtained certification in art, group skills and prevention skills before beginning her ministerial work.

Formerly known as Sister Philip Neri, she taught primary grades at St. John of God, Central Islip, L.I., 1958-59; St. John the Evangelist in Park Slope, 1960-65; Visitation B.V.M. in Red Hook, 1965-68; St. Stanislaus Kostka, Maspeth, 1968-75; and Holy Spirit in Borough Park, 1976-90.

She served as medical secretary/ ward clerk at Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood, 1990-2003, and then at St. Joseph Renewal Center, Brentwood, 2003-08. She retired in 2008.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood, L.I., Jan. 12. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery , Brentwood.