Maria DiCaprio DeFilippo

NISKAYUNA - Maria DiCaprio DeFilippo, 81, entered into eternal peace on Friday, October 4, 2024. Maria was born on April 25, 1943 in Alife, Province of Caserta, Italy, the daughter of the late Antonio and Amalia (Bucci) DiCaprio. Maria came to America in 1960 and traveled back to be married in 1961. John and Maria married on October 21, 1961. They worked to build a life together when they returned to America shortly thereafter. They lived the American Dream to its fullest. Maria spent her career as a hairstylist. She attended Europa Beauty School in Schenectady and began working at the Roman Candle Hair Salon in Mohawk Mall. She ultimately started her own business, Super Star Beauty Salon, after her husband built the family home with the salon attached on Van Vranken Avenue in Schenectady in 1974. She was dedicated to her clients and her work, while at the same time raising two children whom she loved dearly. Maria cared deeply for her family and made them a priority. Around 1999, Maria retired to Hollywood, Florida with her husband where they had already created a second family home. There she continued to work as a hairdresser, part time, while also working for the Broward County School District in the cafeteria. The students were important to her and, like a good Italian mom; she made sure they were well-fed and happy. Living in Hollywood was Maria's dream. She told everyone she lived "in paradise". She walked the beach everyday for miles. She was known and loved by all the locals. Each night she danced to the music with the local bands on the beach at Margaritaville. Throughout the winter, she enjoyed the Italian songs and dancing each afternoon at Charnow Park. It is not possible to count the number of friends she made throughout the years. Maria had an enormous heart. She was always willing to help those less fortunate, and did so often and in so many ways. She wore her emotions on her sleeve and could not bear to see any living thing in harm's way. She was happiest when she was with family and friends, singing, dancing and smelling the salty air. May she rest in peace in her new "paradise" where the love she so wanted to give the world can truly shine. We will miss her so very much until we meet again. In addition to her parents, Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband, John DeFilippo and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paulo and Carolina DeFilippo. She is survived by her loving and devoted children, Paul DeFilippo (Lorraine Pizzo) and Carla (Raymond) Gload; adoring grandson, John Gload; siblings, Italo (Mariangela) DiCaprio, and Angelina (John) DeOrio; many nieces and nephews and a multitude of good friends Services will be held at 11 am, on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 547 Saratoga Road Glenville, NY with Pastor Deron Milleville, officiating, all are invited to attend. Maria will be laid to rest with her husband John at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to The Alzheimer's Association.

Maria DiCaprio DeFilippo

April 25, 1943 - October 4, 2024