Obituary of Connie M. Di Pietrantonio

Connie M. Di Pietrantonio entered into rest on Friday, March 13, 2015 at her daughter's home in Cape Coral, Florida. Daughter of the late Robert and Alice Diston Gurney, she was born on September 24, 1929 in Poughkeepsie. She married the love of her life, Anthony J. Di Pietrantonio on June 16, 1950 in Poughkeepsie; Mr. Di Pietrantonio preceded her in death, passing on March 24, 2011. Connie worked as a Sears Catalog telephone sales supervisor for 20 years. In her spare time, Connie belonged to various bowling leagues. She was a lifelong area resident and raised her children on Strawberry Hill, Wappingers Falls for many years. Survivors include her children, Michael Petri and his wife Pam of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Michele Valli and her husband Paul, of Cape Coral, FL, Patrick Di Pietrantonio and his wife, Kathy of Myrtle Beach, SC. She also leaves her loving grandchildren, Jennifer Gregory and her husband Jason, Alana Raiola and her husband Stephen, Joseph Petri, Katie Petrie, Brandon Di Pietrantonio and his wife Liz, Doug Petri, and Andrea Petri. In addition, two very loved sisters Harriet Driscoll and her husband Larry, and Sookie Napoli; several nieces and nephews; and dear friends of many years, Bonnie Drew and Arlen Gackstatter. Connie dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. One of her favorite pastimes was frequent shopping "dates" followed by lunch or dinner with family and friends. She loved sharing her grandchildren's adventures with cards, e-mail, Facebook, talking with them via Face Time, phone calls and visits. She was an animal lover and doted on her many rescue dogs and cats over the years, especially her last two "kids" (cats) Maggie & Maxie, who now have another loving home with her niece and nephew, Tina and Scott Baker, which made her very happy. Connie was a terrific cook and enjoyed feeding family and friends with Sunday pasta dinners over the years. Connie enjoyed two trips to England and loved anything English, never missing her English soap, East Enders. She was an avid reader of all types of books, especially her murder mysteries and would also often declare "who done it" before the book (or movie) was finished. Connie had a great sense of humor and fun. She could make one laugh easily, which she often did to her home health workers during her last few months. She would call close family members and friends without fail every year on their birthdays and sing "Happy Birthday" to them; family & friends knew it was coming on their day. She was very loved and will be immensely missed. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will follow the funeral service in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, South Avenue, in Poughkeepsie. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Connie's name may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908, or to any animal rescue of your choice. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.