Rita (Viggiano) D'Amico's Obituary
Rita (Viggiano) D’Amico, 90, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home on November 21, 2020. She was born in Yonkers, NY, daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (D’Alessandro) Viggiano. Rita graduated from SUNY Oswego where she met her future husband Joe, speeding around town in his yellow convertible. She was a teacher for both Liverpool and Syracuse City Schools, retiring from Salem Hyde Elementary after many dedicated years. During her 40-year teaching career, Rita traveled the world taking classes with other fellow teachers. She always said, “Let the Kids Rise above Their Expectations”.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Joseph D. D’Amico. Rita is survived by her son, Joseph A. D’Amico of Manlius, NY and her granddaughter, Sophia D’Amico of Denver, CO whom she called her “North Star” since she was born.
Per Rita’s wishes, funeral services and burial are private. Funeral arrangements entrusted to THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME. Rita will be laid to rest with her husband Joe in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s memory may be made to: The American Heart Association.
Rita’s favorite poem attributed to be written in 1932 by Mary Elizabeth Frye: Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am a diamond glint on snow; I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the autumn rain. When you awake in the morning hush, I am the stars that shine at night. So do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there - I did not die. Rita’s words about the poem: Beautiful and True, Always Remember This!
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