Phyllis Frediani

Philomena (Helen) Benaquista (Hovan) Frediani, affectionately known as; Phyllis, Phil, Mima, Grandma Meema, and BooBoo passed away peacefully July 11th, 2026 at 92 years of age. Born on April 19th, 1934 in Bloomfield, PA to Lorenzo and Angela

(Pennacchia) Benaquista, Phyllis was part of a 1st generation, hardworking, proud Italian-American family. The 4th of 5 children Phyllis attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and graduated from Mt. Alvernia; A private, all

girls, Roman Catholic High School. After graduation Phyllis loved to attend dances where she met Regis Hovan whom she married, and raised 5 sons. Later in life she was set up on a blind date by her sister Theresa, and ended up marrying the always happy and upbeat Mario Frediani. Adding Mario’s 2 children, they became a beautifully blended family of 9. Phyllis and Mario shared many good times together traveling, playing pinochle with family and friends, hosting holidays, going to the racetrack, casinos, visiting out of town relatives and faithfully attending church at SS Simon and Jude where they were members for over 30 years. After working 25+ years Phyllis retired from West Penn Hospital in Bloomfield where she worked her way up from cashier to Manager of the Coffee Shop. While raising 5 growing boys, she used to say she started working when the boys were in school just to keep them in lunchmeat, seemingly handing over her entire check to Donatelli’s (Italian Groceria) each week she got paid. She was also known to have a fresh cake ready and waiting for her boys to enjoy everyday after school. Phyllis was a wonderful cook (a trait passed down to all her boys) and baker who loved trying new recipes (a trait passed on to her granddaughter Nicole who owns a bakery business) From cakes to cookies, mini breads to pizzelles, biscotti and more, Phyllis

always had something delicious and ready for her guests to nibble on when visiting. But one of her greatest joys (beyond washing clothes- true story) were her children and grandchildren. She treasured spending time with them and was always anxious to hear how and what they were doing, news she would proudly share with the world. She never forgot a birthday, holiday, communion, confirmation or graduation, and loved to send them a little something extra for a good report card. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed. Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents and son Rege Hovan.

Brother; Tony (Lee) Benaquista. Sisters; Ann (Paul) Sansonetti, and Jean (Al) Minzenburg. As well as several in-laws whom she no doubt will be excited to reunite with. Phyllis is survived by her husband of 37 years, Mario Frediani. Sons; Gary (Jennifer) Hovan, Mark Hovan, Keith (Carrie) Hovan, David Hovan. Stepchildren; Monique (Brian) McDaniel and Marc (Kristina) Frediani. And daughter in law; Vera Hovan. Grandchildren; Zachary (Charlotte) Hovan, Christian Hovan, Nicole Hovan, Jacob Hovan, Kristopher Hovan, Sarah Hovan, Tiffany Hovan, Julia McDaniel, Justin Frediani, Faith Frediani. Step-grandchildren; Kimberly Miller and Richie Miller. Great-grandchildren; Breanna Cain Hovan, Alivia Gretz, Connor

Gretz, Morgan Berkavich, Sidney Berkavich, Ethan Linden Miller and MacKenzie Miller. Sister; Theresa (Robert) Orth. In-laws; Eugene (Linda) Frediani, and Adolph Frediani. As well as many other nieces, nephews and special friends. A special thank-you to her caregivers at; Brookdale Senior Living and Bridges Hospice. We are forever grateful for the compassion and patience you showed towards our mother. Your kindness and dedication during this difficult time brought comfort to her and our family.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412) 563-2800 1650 Greentree Rd. Scott Twp., 15220. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, July 27, 2026, 11:30am at SS. Simon & Jude Church- St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, 1607 Greentree Rd., Pgh., 15220. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

In honor of Phyllis, and in lieu of flowers, we ask you

1. Do a kind deed for someone

2. Donate to Alzheimer’s Association; Greater Pittsburgh Chapter

3. Make a donation to a charity of your choosing