Richard J. "Dick" Sisto, Sr.'s Obituary
Richard J. “Dick” Sisto, Sr., 73, of Syracuse, passed away Wednesday after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late John and Eleanor (Mantione) Sisto. Dick was a former employee of GE, GTE Sylvania and retired from Niagara Mohawk after 23 years of dedicated service. After retirement, he continued on as a consultant. He was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Daniel’s Church and Past President of the Lyncourt Fire Department and Lyncourt Little League. Dick was an avid sports fan, golfer, SU football and basketball season ticket holder and devout Yankee fan. He was a member of the Merritt Seed Company Wednesday golf league at Foxfire Golf Club. Dick enjoyed making yearly trips to Yankee Stadium and Cooperstown with his three grandsons as well as attending all his granddaughter’s school events and plays.
“Poppy” as he was lovingly known to his grandchildren, dedicated the last 20 years of his life following and supporting his grandchildren wherever the next event occurred. He also coached in both Lyncourt and Liverpool Little League spanning 35 years of coaching his own three sons as well as his three grandsons. Dick and Frieda loved spending time with their family and friends having Sunday dinners, dance parties and playing in the Monday night Pitch League.
Dick devoted his entire life to his beloved wife of over 51 years, Frieda (Giannantonio) Sisto who stayed steadfast by his side throughout his entire fight. Dick also leaves behind his three sons, Richard (Franny) Sisto, John Sisto and Nick (Melinda) Sisto; his grandchildren, Ricky, Jacob, Aaron, Donald and Isabella; his brother, John (Ginny) Sisto; his sister, Rita Sisto; sisters-in-law, Joanne Giannantonio and Vicky (Bill) Appel; brother-in-law, Frank Giannantonio, along with several loved nieces and nephews.
Dick was a true gentleman who was loved by all and a perfect role model for his grandchildren of how to live a full and happy life. He was a father and grandfather figure to so many and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. “Thank you Dad for showing us the true meaning of love and family”. We love you Dick, Dad, Poppy and Uncle Dick. You will be forever missed.
“The Desire for Greatness is not a Sin”.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Dick’s life at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, February 1, 2016 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Contributions may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of York & Adams Counties, 227 W. Market St., York, PA 17401 or visit www.bbbsyorkadams.org.
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