Obituary of Donna M. Picciocca

Lifelong Amsterdam resident Donna Marie (Natale) Picciocca passed away at St. Peter's Hospital on Sunday, March 3, 2024, with her loving family by her side.

A beautiful, strong, independent woman, Donna was born in Amsterdam, NY on August 6, 1946, to the late Lawrence and Amelia (DeSorbo) Natale. She graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School with the class of '64 and received a B.A. from SUNY at Oswego. Donna had a long career and retired from HFM BOCES as a Cosmetology Teacher and was in 'Who's Who' of America's Teachers.

Donna started her hairdressing career with a little salon built at home. A self-made woman, Donna put herself through college while raising her family. The highlight of her professional career is her co-authoring of the New York State Cosmetology Exam that aspiring hairdressers take to this day. Donna loved working with her students and colleagues and often spoke of her happiness at BOCES.

Socially, Donna loved shopping trips and spending get-togethers with friends and relatives. Donna was also an excellent crafter, cake maker, and proud of her Italian-American heritage. Most of all, Donna loved her family, especially her grandchildren. A family caretaker, a day wouldn't go by without a phone call or visit to see how everyone was doing. She stayed in touch with everyone throughout her life and offered her generosity to all. The coffee was always on at her house!

Donna was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church in Amsterdam. She is survived by her children Stephen A. (Kathleen) Picciocca Jr. of Amsterdam, and daughter Tami (Brendan) Rhatigan of Latham, NY; her brother Dr. Joseph (Kathy) Natale of Guilderland, NY; nephew Lawrence (Dawn) Natale of Altamont, NY, and niece Marci (David) Goldstein of Albany, NY. Most of all, Donna cherished her grandchildren. Known to them as "RaRa'', she is survived by Giovanna Picciocca, Dominic (Elina) Picciocca, Gino Picciocca, Sean Patrick Rhatigan and Ava Marie Rhatigan. Donna was predeceased by her former husband Stephen A. Picciocca Sr. (Yvonne), who passed on January 12, 2024. She is also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and acquaintances. Her smile and friendly conversations will be missed amongst all who knew her in the community.

The family would like to recognize Community Hospice for their tremendous support during Donna's last weeks.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010 on Friday, March 8 from 3PM until 6PM. A Memorial Service will take place at 5PM with The Very Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis E.V. presiding. Internment will take place at St. Michael's Cemetery in the spring, where she will be laid to rest with her parents.