Catherine Ann Cifaratta-Brayton's Obituary
Catherine Ann Cifaratta-Brayton, 75 of North Syracuse passed peacefully surrounded by her family Saturday, March 21, 2015. Catherine is predeceased by her husband, John Cifaratta and son, Leonard Cifaratta. A member of the 1956 North Syracuse High School graduating class and Beaux Art School of Beauty Culture, Inc., she enjoyed her career as a New York State Licensed Cosmetologist traveling to serve senior citizens and the physically challenged.
Catherine is survived by her sons Joseph, John (Cindy), Peter (Kathy), and Philip (Michele) and daughter-in-law Bobbi Cifaratta. She was a caring and loving grandmother to Nicholas, Taylor, Rachel, Renee, Alexandra, Anthony, and Angelina. She is also survived by her sister Anna (James) Fuller and family James (Debbie), Jeffrey (Afsaneh), and Jill (Greg) Coccagnia and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Also, she is survived by her long time companion and friend Lester.
She was a life time resident of North Syracuse and a very dedicated and community oriented individual serving the Village, Town, City and State in many capacities. She was a member of the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education, a position she proudly held since 1982. She served on the OCM BOCES Board of Education, since 1988. She was a highly outspoken and supportive Board of Education member attending student events, including academic and co-curricular activities at all grade levels. Catherine was named to the 1995-96 NSCSD Wall of Distinction and awarded the Community Service Award in 2000, for outstanding service rendered to the Youth and Community. She was elected as a Trustee for the Village of North Syracuse in 1995. Appointed Deputy Mayor of the Village of North Syracuse from 1997-2003. Elected as Director of the Plank Road Chamber of Commerce in 2000 and served on the Plank Road Historical Society. She has served as a member of the Central New York Teaching Center Policy Board, New York State Association of Computers/Technologies in Education, New York State Federation of Professional Educators, New York State School Boards Association, National School Boards Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Workforce Preparation Advisory Committee. Also in her spare time would volunteer for NAVAC, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Hospice.
Per Catherine’s request no services will be held. A memorial mass will be held in her honor at Saint Rose of Lima Church in North Syracuse May 16, 2015 at 10:30AM. In honor of her community involvement donations can be made in memory of: Catherine Cifaratta-Brayton to: North Syracuse Dollars for Scholars,PO Box 5205,Syracuse, NY 13220-5205 Or: NAVAC , PO Box 3, North Syracuse, NY 13212-9924 Or: Francis House 108 Michaels Avenue Syracuse, NY 13208. Which gracefully and spiritually cared for her.
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