1945
Donna
2024
Donna Bielawski Riccitello
November 5, 1945 — August 23, 2024
GLENVILLE - Donna Riccitello, 78 , beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and esteemed professional, passed away peacefully at her home with her husband and daughter n law by her side on Friday, August 23, 2024.Donna's final moments were filled with love and comfort.
Donna was born in Niskayuna on November 5, 1945.
She was the daughter of Wadsworth and Catherine (Simmons) Bielawski.
In 1964 she graduated from Linton High School and began her employment with New York State.
Shortly after that, she became the secretary of admissions at SCCC.
Donna had a 44 year distinguished career as a Real estate salesperson relocation specialist with Prudential Manor Homes /Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
She was known for her dedication and exceptional skills. In addition to her real estate career, She and her husband co-owned a cherished restaurant, John Riccitello's Restaurant for 61 years.
Donnas’ extraordinary homemade desserts were highly sought after so much that people would beg for her recipes. Her creativity extended beyond the kitchen, as a talented seamstress, she crafted over 300 custom vests for her husband to wear behind the bar, showcasing her attention to detail and her love for him.
IN 2023 Donna and Lewis retired to start their new chapter in life, Traveling and vacationing in Marco Island FL. As a devoted wife, she shared a bond of love and partnership with her husband, together they built a life filled with love and happiness. As a mother she was always there to listen , give great advice and unconditional love.
As a grandmother she was a confidante, friend and the greatest support system. As an Aunt she was more like a mother in every way.
Donna was predeceased by her father, Wadsworth Bielawski, her mother, Catherine Simmons Bielawski Henderson Blaise, her mother’s husband, Rufus Blaise, brother, Kenneth Bielawski and half brother -Scott Henderson.
She is survived by " the love of her life" as she would say - her beloved husband of 53 years Lewis Riccitello, loving children, her son John Riccitello and daughter-in- law, Jennifer Riccitello, her niece who was more like a daughter, Meghan Dos Santos; cherished grandchildren, Anthony Riccitello and Vegas (Natario) Riccitello; great nephew who was more like a grandson, Joahkeen Dos Santos; half brother, Larry Bielawski, many more nieces and nephew , dear friends and eminent colleagues.
Donna will be remembered for the large presence she had when she entered a room, her beautiful smile, her gentle spirit, and the love she so generously gave to all that knew her.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, watching over them from above.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00am, at St. Anthony’s Church, Seward Place. Calling hours will precede the Mass starting at 8:00am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
For those wishing to honor Donna in a special way, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Community Hospice at communityhospice.org
Donna's Mass will be livestreamed please visit
http://www.youtube.com/@st.anthonyschurch7737
Donna was born in Niskayuna on November 5, 1945.
She was the daughter of Wadsworth and Catherine (Simmons) Bielawski.
In 1964 she graduated from Linton High School and began her employment with New York State.
Shortly after that, she became the secretary of admissions at SCCC.
Donna had a 44 year distinguished career as a Real estate salesperson relocation specialist with Prudential Manor Homes /Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
She was known for her dedication and exceptional skills. In addition to her real estate career, She and her husband co-owned a cherished restaurant, John Riccitello's Restaurant for 61 years.
Donnas’ extraordinary homemade desserts were highly sought after so much that people would beg for her recipes. Her creativity extended beyond the kitchen, as a talented seamstress, she crafted over 300 custom vests for her husband to wear behind the bar, showcasing her attention to detail and her love for him.
IN 2023 Donna and Lewis retired to start their new chapter in life, Traveling and vacationing in Marco Island FL. As a devoted wife, she shared a bond of love and partnership with her husband, together they built a life filled with love and happiness. As a mother she was always there to listen , give great advice and unconditional love.
As a grandmother she was a confidante, friend and the greatest support system. As an Aunt she was more like a mother in every way.
Donna was predeceased by her father, Wadsworth Bielawski, her mother, Catherine Simmons Bielawski Henderson Blaise, her mother’s husband, Rufus Blaise, brother, Kenneth Bielawski and half brother -Scott Henderson.
She is survived by " the love of her life" as she would say - her beloved husband of 53 years Lewis Riccitello, loving children, her son John Riccitello and daughter-in- law, Jennifer Riccitello, her niece who was more like a daughter, Meghan Dos Santos; cherished grandchildren, Anthony Riccitello and Vegas (Natario) Riccitello; great nephew who was more like a grandson, Joahkeen Dos Santos; half brother, Larry Bielawski, many more nieces and nephew , dear friends and eminent colleagues.
Donna will be remembered for the large presence she had when she entered a room, her beautiful smile, her gentle spirit, and the love she so generously gave to all that knew her.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, watching over them from above.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00am, at St. Anthony’s Church, Seward Place. Calling hours will precede the Mass starting at 8:00am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
For those wishing to honor Donna in a special way, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Community Hospice at communityhospice.org
Donna's Mass will be livestreamed please visit
http://www.youtube.com/@st.anthonyschurch7737
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donna Bielawski Riccitello, please visit our flower store.
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