Obituary of Alfonzina "Frances" Spataro

Alfonzina Frances Spataro, 92, retired seamstress and longtime resident of Garnerville, New York, died peacefully on February 9, 2022.

Frances (Alfonzina) is survived by her husband of 66 years, Giovanni Spataro; her children Antoinette (Mark) Vlad, Mirella (John L) Sullivan, Grace (Barry) Liss; her grandchildren Stella Vlad, Andrew Vlad, Elizabeth (Anthony) Gentile, Julia Sullivan, Jayne Sullivan; her siblings Giuseppe Leone, Elena Licciardi, Victor (Adele) Leone; and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces.

Alfonzina was born on July 2, 1929, in S. Stefano, Sicily, Italy, to Angelo and Maria (née Cardinale) Leone.  She was one of nine children:  Salvatore, Matilda, Vincenzo, Giuseppe, Angela (Jean), Ignazio, Elena, Vittorio.  She immigrated with her family to the United States in 1949 and resided in New York City.  In 1955 she visited Bivona, Sicily, met and married Giovanni Spataro.  Together they lived in Manhattan, the Bronx, and in 1989 moved to Garnerville, New York.

Frances was a wonderful wife, adored mother and loving grandmother.  Her family was the most important part of her life.  She enjoyed cooking, baking and passing on family traditions and recipes.  She was also an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing and crocheting.  She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and remain forever in our hearts.

Frances’ family would like to thank Friedwald Nursing Home for the care they provided.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 2-5 PM.  Funeral mass will be held at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 11AM.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association.