Elda A. (Vecchio) Dougherty

Surrounded by her family, Elda Vecchio Dougherty, 92, went home to Glory on July 27th, following a long illness. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Fran. Born Elda Ann Vecchio in Sicily, Italy, she came to America at age five. Elda grew up in Albany and married the love of her life, Francis Dougherty, on September 20, 1952. In the years to come, they welcomed five children, whom they adored. Elda and Fran made their home in Liverpool, a stone’s throw from Christ the King Church, where Elda, a devout Catholic, attended Sunday Mass and was active in the church. Elda was a fabulous cook. She could often be found in the kitchen, pots “dancing” on the stove as she made sauce for her family, who couldn’t get enough. They would stay at that house for more than 35 years, as their children married and had grandchildren, in whom Elda and Fran delighted. As the family grew, so did their businesses, including Dougherty’s Masquerade. While Fran was the businessman, Elda, the family matriarch, played an integral role in its success. Once retired, Elda and Fran wintered in Florida and traveled, seeing places like Hawaii and Europe. In 2002, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and treated their family to unforgettable vacations in 2003 and 2007. Elda was by Fran’s side when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. They celebrated together when the cancer went into remission and grieved together when it returned. Her heart shattered when her husband of 56 years left this world on February 8, 2009, but we know it finally healed when Fran and El, as he called her, reunited in Heaven. In the fourteen years and five months they were apart, Elda continued to love on—and be loved by—her family. Her old address books—full of crossed-out addresses each time someone moved—show how closely she kept up with her kids and grandkids through cards and letters. She was also quite popular by phone—you always knew someone would dial in during your call. Thank goodness for call waiting! Although she faced dementia late in life, Elda retained the qualities that made her so special. To the very end, she never failed to thank someone, or to say, “I love you,” or, when someone complimented her, to roll her eyes in embarrassment—though she deserved every compliment and many more. Her children cared for her at home in her final years, her daughters Linda, Dianne, and Denise tending to her every need, as did her “angel” aides, Felicia, and Michelle, whom she grew to love like family. Our love for her is evident in how many loved ones were with her in her last hours. Elda was predeceased by her husband, Francis, and grandson, Josiah, as well as her mother, two brothers, and a sister. She is survived by her five children: Linda (Rich) Piron, Dianne (Vincent) Fecteau, Denise (Rick) Vinal, Michael (Arianne) Dougherty, Joseph Dougherty, and daughter-in-law Cheryl Dougherty. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Joshua and Christina Piron (Liam and Levi); Bethany (Fecteau) and Jason Washo (James and Jesse); Caleb Piron (Brittany Bieger); Jonah Fecteau and Ashley Cozzo (Julien); Lydia (Piron) and Boris Kljajic (Luka, Niko, Leonardo, and Oliver); Micah Piron (Lisa Damon); Zac Piron; Olivia (Fecteau) and Brett Hiltbrand; Hannah (Piron) and Billy Ward (Mabel and William); Gabriel, Iris, and Stella Vinal; Eva, Lily, Maeve, and Owen Dougherty; and Liza, Cameron, and Brandon Dougherty. We were privileged to love her all our lives. Another 92 years would never be enough. But we are comforted to know she is with the Lord. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212. Funeral services and burial will be private. She will be laid to rest beside her husband Fran, and grandson Josiah, in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY.

Elda A. (Vecchio) Dougherty

September 12, 1930 - July 27, 2023