CLINTON:

Phyllis K. Waterman, 81, of Franklin Avenue, formerly of Westmoreland, passed away peacefully on 

Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Wynn Hospital.

She was born on March 23, 1944, in Syracuse, a daughter of the late David and Rosemary (LaBounty) 

Bernhardt. On April 1, 1966, Phyllis was united in marriage with William E. “Bill” Waterman at Church 

of Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica. Bill predeceased her on September 5, 2019.

Phyllis was born, raised, and educated in Syracuse and was a graduate of St. Elizabeth’s School of 

Nursing, Utica, becoming a Registered Nurse. Phyllis began her career at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and 

later served for many years as a charge nurse at Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital. She also provided 

compassionate care through home healthcare services and continued her nursing career at the 

Lutheran Home, where she worked until her retirement.

Phyllis was a faithful member of the Church of the Annunciation in Clark Mills. In her leisure time, 

she enjoyed playing games, working on puzzles, reading, and crocheting. Her greatest joy was 

spending time with her family. Attending her grandkid’s events was a priority for Phyllis. She could also 

be heard cheering the loudest in the stands for her grandchildren. She was thrilled when she became a 

great grandmother and was looking forward to her future great grandchildren. She loved her family 

and could be heard bragging about them often.

Phyllis is survived by her loving children: Cynthia and John M. Smith of Deansboro; Kathleen and 

Keith Brittell of New Hartford; and Jessica and Peter Pagliaro of Westmoreland; her daughter-in-law, 

Donna Waterman, of Virginia Beach, her cherished grandchildren: Tyler Smith (Nick Benedetto) of 

Los Angeles, CA; Steven and Rachel Smith of Verona; Hans Smith (Morgan Gilchrist) of Vernon; Kevin 

and Sarah Brittell of Sebastian, FL; Kayla and Zachary Ward of Frankfort; Kyle and Taylor Brittell; 

Angelina Pagliaro (John Carone); Pietro Pagliaro; Giovanni Pagliaro, all of Westmoreland; Gianna 

Waterman and Kali Waterman, both of Virginia Beach; great-grandchildren: Levi Smith, Clara Smith, 

Heidi Smith, Robin Brittell, her sisters-in-law, Mary Milioto of Syracuse and Peg Waterman of Utica; 

her brother-in-law, Neil Waterman of Whitesboro; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Phyllis was predeceased by her son, David E. Waterman, on 

August 18, 2012.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Church of 

the Annunciation, 7616 East South Street, Clinton, New York. Burial in Kirkland Cemetery will take 

place in the spring.

Friends and family are invited to call on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at 

the R.P. Heintz Funeral Home, 10 East Park Row, Clinton, NY 13323.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Wynn Hospital for all the excellent, compassionate care 

Phyllis received during her stays.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.rpheintzfsi.com