Virginia Spataro's Obituary
Virginia Spataro, 96, of Syracuse, born June 9th, 1927, Daughter of Salvatore & Mary, Sister to Sabastiano and Frank Spataro, passed away peacefully under the care of her Doctor at Bishop Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse, this past Wednesday, October 25th, 2023.
Every Christmas, her kitchen would fill with the smell of cookies baking. Tin foil trays lined the counter, each with a variety of Italian confections to be brought to her brother Benny's house where her family would warmly welcome her in from the cold and blustery Syracuse winter streets. As the side door opened, the wreath would jingle. Crisp air rushed in and the warm scent of holiday spices and spruce mixed in the doorway as she’d shake the snow from her coat. “Aunt Virginia’s here!”, and three generations of the Spataro’s, Perry’s and Walsh's were together again, completely.
Virginia lived a long and happy life in her home near Syracuse’s "Little Italy” on the north side where she was visited frequently by her family members who lived close by. Her house was also home for family and friends who lived as tenants in the two upstairs apartments in the early to late 1960s. Many of them are just beginning their lives and budding young families. Virginia worked in finance at the iconic “Mony" building for over 30 years, creating a comfortable life for herself to enjoy as a bonafide self-made woman. Virginia wore many hats, had a style and fashion sense all her own, was an amateur seamstress, had an affinity for all-things-baking and a penchant for “Andes Mints”. Virginia's deep love and appreciation for her family were most apparent in her acts of generosity, often a compliment of "how damn good you look!” and her energetically beaming smile.
She was survived by two generations of nieces and nephews, who all knew her to be a great Aunt. She will be missed dearly.
A Funeral Service in celebration of Virginia’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. in the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212. Burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?
