Phyllis Wilkoff

Phyllis Heselov Wilkoff passed away on February 21, 2021 at 95 years of age in her beloved hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, a place she spent nearly her entire life and in which she took great pride. 

Phyllis was born on October 16, 1925 in Youngstown, Ohio to Bertha Tamarkin and Simon Heselov. She married Lee Wilkoff and together they raised three children Lynne, Bonnie, and Randy.  Phyllis and Lee oversaw the nearly hundred-year old family owned Wilkoff Steel Company until its closure in the 1980s.  

Phyllis was a graduate of The Rayen School and attended The University of Wisconsin. She worked for many years at The Wilkoff Company and volunteered with many local organizations.  She was a long time member of Squaw Creek Country Club and a member of Rodef Sholom Temple for more than eighty years. She and Lee were both avid golfers which prompted her to support area youth by sponsoring a golf tournament in his memory held jointly at Squaw Creek Country Club and Stambaugh Golf Course. Phyllis spent her retirement years with friends and relatives locally and in Florida, returning to Levy Garden and then Heritage Manor over the last few years. 

Phyllis was determined, smart, and business savvy. She expected a lot from those around her, but rewarded those high expectations with deep gratitude and intense loyalty. She was fiercely dedicated to her family and her faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lee Wilkoff, her daughter Bonnie Wilkoff Grossman, son Randall Wilkoff, and her brother Lawrence Heselov. She is survived by her sister Elaine Heselov Levy of Aurora, Colorado, her daughter Lynne Wilkoff of Cleveland, Ohio, and her son-in-law Dr. Steven Grossman (Patti) of Malvern, Ohio..  Additionally, she leaves behind her two beloved grandsons Joshua Matthew Grossman (Gina Ruebensaal) of Potomac, Maryland and Jeffrey Wilkoff Grossman (Melissa) of Charlottesville, Virginia. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren Aaron Wilkoff Grossman, Oliver James Grossman, and Blake Danielle Grossman as well as many loving nieces and nephews. 

 Contributions may be made to Levy Gardens, Heritage Manor, or Rodef Sholom Temple.

A private graveside funeral will be held on February 26, 2021.

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