Obituary of Virginia F. Pagliocca
Virginia “Vigie” F. Pagliocca, 96, of Orchard Street, Canajoharie, NY passed away peacefully on
Friday, December 15, 2023 surrounded by her family. Born in New Rochelle, NY on October 29, 1927, she and her family relocated to Canajoharie in 1986.
Growing up in New Rochelle, Vigie enjoyed spending time at the beach and taking the train with friends to NYC for lunch at Schrafft’s and two shows at the Paramount Theatre. She graduated from Albert Leonard High School in 1945. After graduation, she was first employed at Bloomingdale’s where she began working in the stocking department and was later promoted to the cash room. She met Michael E. Pagliocca in 1953, they enjoyed a six-month courtship, were married on May 23,1954 and remained married until his death in 1996.
Vigie's days at the Liberty Lunch, a family-owned luncheonette, were among her fondest memories. There, as a member of the Ritacco family, she not only served customers but also became part of the tapestry of stories and characters that made the place a local legend. Her joy in recounting those days behind the counter, filled with laughter and family camaraderie, was a testament to her deep love for those times and the people who made them special.
Vigie will be remembered for her love and loyalty to her family. Her home was always the center of celebrations and holidays. She enjoyed cooking, listening to Frank Sinatra and the sounds of the Big Bands, watching old movies on TCM, traveling, and the occasional trip to the casino. Above all, most important to her was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her three children, Michael E. (Ingrid) Pagliocca, Donna M. Polimino, and Claudia Morris; five grandchildren, Rachel (Tom) Martin, Allyson (Jeff) Nutting, Nicole (Kyle) Smith, Matthew (Rebecca) Polimino and Chiarra Morris; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Alfred, Augustine (Larky), Victor (Vete), Elizabeth (Betty) and Ann (Ninny), and her son-in-law Richard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 11a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, 115 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday morning from 9a.m. to 11a.m. at the church.
Burial will take place in St. Peter’s & Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Canajoharie.
Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Melodies Center at Albany Medical Center c/o The Albany Med Foundation, 43 New Scotland Avenue MC119, Albany, NY 12208 or www.albanymed.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, Canajoharie. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com
