Philomena "Phyllis" "Mrs. D" Derenske

Philomena (Phyllis – Mrs. ‘D’) Derenske

After 58 years of marriage and nearly 14 years of waiting, on March 29, 2026 the Lord sent the angels and butterflies to escort our Mom and Grandma to finally reunite her – for all eternity – to the love of her life, her husband and our Dad and Grandpa – Al Derenske, Sr.

Born March 8, 1932, she was the second daughter of the late Raffaela (Valentino) DeMatteo and John J. DeMatteo. She was a 1949 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy and completed several secretarial courses in night school classes.

She was employed by ALCO Products as a secretary and while there met her love, Al Sr. They were married on May 16, 1954 at St. Anthony’s Church by Monsignor Michael Bianco.

She was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church for over 65 years; and was a member of the Sacred Heart League and Venerini Associates. She served on many committees over the years, including Parish Council; Parish Budget Financial Committee; Church Restoration Financial Committee following the devastating fire; and worked tirelessly to support the Annual Parish Festival. She served as a Lector; Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion; Marriage Coach; Greeter; and was appointed a trustee by Father Richard Carlino.

She was a secretary at St. Anthony’s School and retired after 28 years, but her devotion to the school went far beyond that responsibility. She was a substitute teacher when needed and a school nurse full of hugs, kisses, Band-Aids and comfort during sicknesses. Mom would always tell everyone that the school was her second home, and considered herself privileged to watch the children grow from pre-Kindergarten to graduation and beyond. Through her final days, whether in church, at the market, or in the neighborhood, she was always known as Mrs. ‘D’ to everyone.

She and Al Sr. were the very proud parents of two surviving children – Christine (Ron) Knutti in Schenectady and Al Derenske Jr. (Beverly) in Norfolk, VA; and two surviving grandsons – Daniel Derenske and David Derenske (Haley) in Norfolk, VA.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Marion (Sam) Sorbello and Connie (Ralph) Janack; brother John S. (Norma) DeMatto; niece Sandra (Janack) Chase; and nephew John M. DeMatteo.

She is survived by her sister Ann Felczak (John); nieces Jill DeMatteo, Sue (Janack) DeMarco, Karen (Felczak) Burda (Robert) and Linda (Felczak) Hunt; and nephews Steve Janack (Margo), Phillip Janack, David DeMatteo (Jenni Stanton) and Michael Felczak (Lynne). She also leaves behind her beloved kitties – Princess, Bubba and Sophia; along with all of the other neighborhood cats that would stop in for a good meal at the Avenue B feeding station.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Barbara Thompson, Dennise D’Amelio and niece Jill DeMatteo who helped Mom in so manyunforeseen ways; home health care aides Mary, Chi-Chi and April who brought such joy and loving care during the last few months of Mom’s life; Sister Christeena, Sister Jubie and Sister Maria Rosa for their many visits and spiritual offerings of Holy Communion; and the many special friends who brightened her life over the years.

The family would also like to acknowledge the patient care efforts of Doctor Christopher Dibble, Doctor Ayman Morgan, and Nurse Practitioner Carol Braungart who provided Mom with such compassion and excellent care over the years; and for the paramedics at Station No. 4 who always provided prompt medical response in Mom’s preferred method – no flashing lights and no sirens.

A Mass of Christian Burial (Funeral Mass) will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church (331 Seward Place, Schenectady) at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Interment will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Father DeFranco Chapel in St. Anthony’s Church on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

To honor Philomena’s life and memory, please consider memorial contributions to St. Anthony’s Church Restoration Fund, the Schenectady City Mission or the Scotia Animal Protective Foundation in lieu of flowers.