Obituary of Sharon Lee Andretta

Sharon Lee Andretta (Phifer), 77, of Vista, New York passed away in her sleep on Sunday, October, 1, 2023, at her home. 

Sharon was born on July 23, 1946, in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Marilynn Pearl Cummins (Skillman) and the late Walter Lee Phifer, Jr.  Throughout her life, Sharon lived in many locations including Arkansas, Ohio, Long Island, Mount Kisco, Bedford, Pound Ridge and settled in Vista, NY in 1976 with her family.  Sharon is the eldest of six children.

Sharon attended many elementary schools throughout her childhood, and she attended Fox Lane High School, where she graduated in 1964.  It was during this period that she met her husband, Raymond Andretta, and they married on November 20, 1965.  They began their married life in Bedford, NY in their first apartment above the Bedford movie theater, and this is where the true connections of life began for Sharon.  She and Ray welcomed their first child, Gina, in 1966 and their second daughter Laura in 1968.  The family continued to live in Bedford until 1971, when they moved to Pound Ridge.  In 1974, the couple welcomed their son, Jimmy, and the family was complete.  It was 1976, and they were able to purchase their forever home on East Street in Vista, NY, a moment that Sharon longed for – her own home to raise her family, without moving, to give them a home where they could attend the same schools until graduation with the same friends and not move around like her childhood.  She achieved this goal, and her children have been forever grateful to have a legacy in one place.  Sharon was a wonderful caregiver to her family, and this is where she loved to be – in the middle of it all by being class mother or girl scout leader – she could make a difference.

If there is one thing that will always stand out is the “open door” policy to all the many neighborhood children and friends of her children.  So many would come to just be consoled or feel accepted by her unconditional love and advice.  She comforted many and always had a knack for bringing peace to a situation.  Her extended family, all the countless friends, could count on a listening ear to their problems.  Sharon was a devoted friend and loved to help.

Sharon was an adventurer.  She was always in the car going somewhere, taking her children to the beach, on a trip to visit people, tag sales, and wherever a vehicle could take her with her children in tow.  She created memories that will be talked about for years.

Sharon had many jobs throughout her life.  She worked for the Patent Trader, she cleaned houses to make ends meet, worked at Friendly’s in Mt. Kisco, as well as Pound Ridge Elementary School.  Sharon continued her education and became a paralegal, a job that she loved.  She worked for an architectural firm in New Canaan, a lawyer in Manhattan, many jobs in between and before retirement, she worked at the Pound Ridge Police Department. 

Sharon and Ray carried out a wonderful legacy in the almost 58 years of marriage, and their love for one another became infectious to many.  The trials and tribulations always got worked out, but the love always remained.

It is in 1989, that Sharon’s true passion for life began – the beginning of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Sharon thought her life was great, but when this time of her life began, she could not contain the abundance of love she felt.  She could not and would not let them want for anything.  Her vehicle adventures continued with grandchildren in tow, and their memories are forever cherished.  She is famous for her name that was given to her by her first grandchild when she couldn’t pronounce grandma – BONGA.  The name stuck and she would forever be known as Bonga, GAGA, Gunga, all of which she carried proudly.  There are no words to say how much she will be missed by this family.

Sharon is the beloved wife of Raymond V. Andretta and is the very loving mother of Gina (James) of Somers, NY, Laura (Kenney) of Trinidad, CO, and James “Jimmy” (Amy) of Portchester, NY and her semi-adopted daughter Kim Stonebridge of Ridgefield, CT.  She is the devoted grandmother of Casey (Tim), Alexa, Jessica, Victoria (Juan), Amanda (Nicholas), Jaime, Aja (Mason), Austin, Franchesca, Emma, Vinchenza, Angelina, Michael, Carol, Antonella and seven great-grandchildren.  Sharon is also survived by her two sisters and three brothers, two brothers-in-laws and many, many nieces, and nephews.  Sharon is predeceased by her grandson James “Jimmyboy” Arena whom she loved intensely. 

Friends may call at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah, NY on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 4-8 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patricks Church, 7 Pound Ridge Road, Bedford, NY on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 10:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Pound Ridge Fire Department, 80 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY  10576, or The American Heart Association, www.heart.org