Phyllis J. Poto 1941-2025
BROOKFIELD — Phyllis Jean “Jeannie” Poto, longtime resident of Brookfield Township, was called home Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, following a period of declining health. She was 84.
Phyllis was born Aug. 14, 1941, in Sharon, Pa., a daughter of William J. and Matilda Dunkerley Irwin.
She was a proud homemaker for her family and had worked briefly as a typist in the engineering department at General American.
She was a former member of Slope Congregational Church, Masury United Methodist Church, Corner House Christian Church and Brookfield Christian Church.
In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards in her card clubs, gambling, watching NASCAR, taking vacation cruises with her husband and attending sporting events at the Brookfield schools. However, spending time with her daughters and grandsons warmed her heart the most.
Survivors include daughters, Sandra J. Poto of Toledo, Kendra A. Surano (David) of Greenville, Pa., and Kerry S. Ellcessor (Jim) of Hubbard; grandsons, Kenny Surano (Katie), Evan Ellcessor (Nancy) and Jimmy Ellcessor (KayLynn); as well a great-grandson, Ari, and one on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth “Ken” Poto, whom she married June 27, 1964, and who passed May 26, 2020; and daughter, Kathy Lynn Poto.
A time of gathering to honor Jeannie’s life will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at the home of Briceland Funeral Service, 379 state Route 7 SE, Brookfield, OH 44403.
She will be laid to rest in Brookfield Township Cemetery.
As suggested by her family, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Brookfield Library, 7032 Grove St., Brookfield, OH 44403.
Coordination of this tribute for Mrs. Poto was presented by Daniel Briceland, owner and director, 330-509-3135. Expressions of sympathy may be left for her family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com.
(special notice)