Shelby E. (Miller) Stagnitta's Obituary
Shelby E. Stagnitta passed away on March 6, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. Shelby was born on June 10, 1940, in Auburn, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Gustave, and Irene Miller (Turner); her brother, William Miller and her loving sister-in-law, Mary Ann Stagnitta. She graduated from Eastwood High School. As an avid dancer, she joined Fred Astaire Studios as a Dance Instructor. In 1958, she won a competition performing The Charleston at the Hotel Plaza in New York City. Shelby was also a skilled artist working as a Technical Illustrator for Atlantic Design.
As an entrepreneur woman ahead of her time, Shelby was a graduate of Contemporary Beauty School and US Air Travel Institute. She owned and operated successful businesses such as Shelby’s Coiffures, Midtown Plaza Newsstand, Apollo Travel, and Trendi Korner Boutique in Eastwood.
Shelby was also active in her community. She was the first President of ESM Pop Warner Cheerleaders Association, leading them to several Conan Pop Warner Championship events. Shelby was active in local politics having worked at voting poles and being a member of the Republican Committee. As a 55-year parishioner of St. Matthew’s Church, she served as a Catechumens in the RCIA program and Altar Care Committee.
Shelby had many hobbies such as traveling the world and enjoyed playing golf at Lafayette, Lakeshore, and Arrowhead Country Clubs.
She is survived by her loving husband Vincent of 61 years, three children, James (Laurie) Stagnitta, Michael (Pennie) Stagnitta and Michele (Michael) Woyciesjes; her sister-in-law, Mindy Miller; her seven grandchildren, Michael (Leah) Stagnitta, Brittany (Jason) Mullens, Alexis, and Matthew Stagnitta, Shelby, Megan and Natalie Woyciesjes; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Nora Mullens, and Weston Stagnitta; nieces and nephews, Therese (Tom) Williams, Anthony (Nancy) Cavaiola, Shelby Bates, Shannon (Lisa) Miller, and Parker Miller.
Shelby enjoyed life, family members and many friends. She was always there to brighten the lives of others. Her love will go on with our memories. The Stagnitta family would like to thank Dr. Fung, NP Susan at Wilmont Cancer Center in Rochester, NY, and staff along with Dr. Matt Picone for their loving and excellent care.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Shelby’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at St. Matthew’s Church, East Syracuse, with entombment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Friday, March 11, 2022, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilmont Cancer Center Research, 600 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, or Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.
What’s your fondest memory of Shelby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shelby?
Share a story where Shelby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shelby you’ll never forget.
How did Shelby make you smile?
