Dixie (Richart) Curinga

Dixie (Richart) Curinga, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born to the late Carl and Jean (Madej) Richart in 1945 at Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina. Dixie’s journey was marked by dedication, love, and a profound commitment to family and education. Dixie graduated from the Convent School on the north side of Syracuse. After high school she began a career as a hairstylist at her husband Joe’s salon, Creative Hair Works. After years of growing their business, they shifted gears and Dixie’s role changed as she stayed home to raise their children while they were still young. She built their home into a gathering place where all their friends could come together to play baseball in the front yard, hosting parties and various events for both church and school where everyone would feel welcome. As her children grew older, Dixie returned to school to receive both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Le Moyne College. As she found her passion, she poured her heart and soul into teaching and nurturing young minds. Her compassion for her students and her dedication to her profession was evident in the connections. Her family grew and with 6 grandchildren, Dixie did not miss a beat, she was in attendance for every concert, gymnastic meet, and sporting event – or just a good old fashion game of kickball in the yard, grandma always made sure these kids grew up together and understood the importance of family. In addition to her parents, Dixie is preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Joseph Curinga; her brothers-in-law, Michael Curinga and Frank Curinga; her sisters-in-law, Doris Curinga and Mary Fox. She is survived by her son, Joel (Brenda) Curinga; her daughters, Amy (Zisis) Sakellariou and Liz Curinga (Chris Cherwa); her six loving grandchildren, Dominic, Vincent, Antoinette, Max, Joey, and Haralambos; her five brothers-in-law, Theodore (Ruth), Gerald (Vicki), Peter (Jean), Andrew (Pattie), and Rocco (Cathy) Curinga; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank Michelle Piraino and Iva Peterson for their love and support. Visitation will take place on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. followed by a funeral service in celebration of Dixie’s life at 6:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Honor Flight Syracuse at honorflightsyracuse.org/donate

Dixie (Richart) Curinga

July 18, 1945 - April 19, 2024