Rita “DeeDee” Tessiero, 88, of Firefly Meadow Road, Fultonville, NY; passed away Monday morning, February 5, 2018 at Wells Nursing Home, Johnstown, NY.
Born in Amsterdam, NY; she was the daughter of the late Frank and Bella Graziano Raco.
Rita received her education in the Amsterdam school system and was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School.
Rita was the former manager of family owned business, Sun Center Tanning Salon. You could always find her at the desk with a huge smile on her face to greet you. She was also employed at Apropos, Argersinger and Card Craft.
Rita was an active member in her community. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam and a former member of the Montgomery County Democratic Club. She was also a part of the youth commission in her village. If you ever took a stroll around the Fort Johnson ice rink you’d be sure to see her there with a helping hand.
When Rita wasn’t helping her community you could find her having fun dancing to Polka music and cooking up her infamous pasta fagioli. Rita also could impress you with her ability to bowl strikes at the alley. She is sure to be playing a game of cards up in heaven with her pals and siblings.
Rita was predeceased by her loving husband, Albert Tessiero on October 10, 1980. She was also predeceased by her son, Michael A. Tessiero; son-in-law, Alexander, Semkiw, nephews, Billy Raco and Tony Cosentino; Brothers, Richard (Esther) Raco, Alfonso (Helen) Raco, Patsy Raco, Frank Raco, Dominik (Nellie) Raco and sisters, Georgianna Raco, Patty Cosentino (Anthony), Rose Sperduto (Tom) brothers and sisters in-law, Barney (Viola) Tessiero, Josephine (Anthony) Santorelli and Helen (Thomas) LaBate, Frances (Anthony) Guiffre and Ann Raco.
Rita is survived by her daughter, Lori Tessiero-Semkiw, son-in-law, Wayne L. Reichel of Fultonville, NY; grandson, Nicholas Semkiw of New York City, granddaughter, Gina-Marie Semkiw of Amsterdam, brother, Anthony Raco (Sally) of FL; special nephews and God sons, Tom Sperduto and Robert Santorelli; special nieces and God daughters, Linda Maphia, Barbare Saita and Sindi Saita. Several other nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Cremation was held at Park View Crematory in Schenectady, NY.
A memorial service at a time and date will be announced in a future edition of the Recorder.
Memorial gifts in Rita’s name may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 139 S. Lake Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.
Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY.
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