Gaetana “Tana” Persico, 91, of Sterling, Va., formerly of Gloversville, passed away Sunday, February 17, 2013. Tana was born in Johnstown, N.Y. to the late Sebastiano and Angela Disi D’Antonino. She was married to the late attorney Thomas M. Persico, who passed away in 1991.
Tana will be warmly remembered for her quiet persona, and her devotion to St. Anthony who was her patron Saint. She was always a peacemaker. Tana loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her extensive community service activities, especially at Nathan Littauer Hospital, and the Fulton County Infirmary. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Church and the former Mt. Carmel Church.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in music from The College of St. Rose, and a Master of Art in music from Ithaca College, both degrees in vocal performance. She was a featured female soloist with the U.S. Military Academy Choir at West Point. She taught music in the public schools in New Hartford, N.Y. and Stratford, N.Y.
Tana moved to Virginia in 2008 and lived at Sunrise Assisted Living Community, where she became a social butterfly. She was much adored by her new friends and extended family, all that knew her instantly fell in love with her. She was involved in all activities including bingo, the Red Hat Society, painting and art classes. Tana and her best friend, Miriam were known as the “Bobbsey Twins.” Tana will be deeply missed by staff and friends. She loved living at Sunrise and was grateful for her time there.
Tana is survived by: her children, Connie Persico of Reston, Va., and Sebastian (Toby) Persico of Cornwall, N.Y.; her grandchildren, Scott Buonocore (Karen), Randi Hauser (Michael), David Frix, and Gina Frix; her great-grandchildren, Serena and Max Buonocore and Jacob, Thomas and Daniel Hauser; also several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her dear sister, Frances Vittucci.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Amico Funeral Home, 150 South Main Street, Gloversville. A 9:45 a.m. a prayer service will be held at the funeral home, followed by a 10:15 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Entombment will take place in the family mausoleum at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown, N.Y. in the spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to Capital Caring Hospice, 209 Gibson Street N.W., Suite 202, Leesburg, VA 20176; Forward Future Youth Services, (for “at-risk kids” 8-18), 701 Bennett Street, Herndon, VA 20170 and Citizens Civic Band of Gloversville Inc., P.O. Box 984, Gloversville, NY 12078.
