Philomena (Phyllis) Delehanty, 92, of Newport, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Delehanty, Jr., with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Born in County Monaghan, Ireland, on January 9, 1934, she was the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Carr) McKenna.
As a teenager, Philomena moved to Newport, where she built a beautiful life centered around family. She married Robert in 1953 and had five beautiful children.
Many will remember her from her long career at the Sheraton Islander Hotel on Goat Island, where she managed the dining room for more than 20 years. She was also a devoted communicant of St. Mary’s Church and a former member of the Elks Lodge.
Philomena treasured every opportunity to spend time with family. She especially loved vacationing in California and Florida, pool days with her grandchildren, trips to Frosty Freeze, walking the beach, and cookouts in her backyard.
Philomena is survived by four of her children: Edward Delehanty of Newport, Colleen Breitenstein and her husband Kenneth of Newport, Sheila Picillo and her husband Kenneth of Warwick, and Brian Delehanty of Portsmouth; her 10 beloved granddaughters; 22 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two sisters, Christine Duffy and Theresa McGrath, both of Ireland, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Philomena was predeceased by her son, Robert Delehanty III.The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who gave Phyllis compassionate care throughout the years.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, Rhode Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Spring Street, Newport.
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