Obituary of Cathleen DeCrenza

Cathleen DeCrenza, a lifelong Peekskill resident, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022 at the age of 76.

She was born to Joseph and Mary (Zacari) Cioffi on July 19, 1945.  She was a loving wife to Albert Peter Decrenza, whom she is predeceased by.

She was also a wonderful and loving mother to Albert Peter Decrenza, Jr. who passed away as a child from a rare disease called Reye's Syndrome.

Cathleen's healing process led her to very important work.  Through God's strength, she became the founder and President of the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation.

Her work and efforts have saved countless lives.    She continued touching lives through teaching, mentoring and volunteering throughout the community.  She worked as a teacher's assistant in the Peekskill City School District for many years, helping disabled and special needs children.  She was a lifelong member at the Church of the Assumption and volunteered there as a CCD teacher.  She worked with Peekskill Parks and Recreation Department, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Columbiettes (Monsignor Francis J. Ansbro Council 462).  

She is survived by a large family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her very much.

While her physical absence here leaves us feeling very sad and a little lost, we can only imagine the reunion she had in heaven with her little boy....and for that, we are grateful.  

Cathy was one of those rare souls full of pure goodness and she shared her heart with everyone she knew.  She could brighten the darkest of days with a few words and just being around her made problems seem to disappear.  She was always able to see the good in any situation and helped so many through tough times.  She was a mother to many and an angel to all.

“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now.

Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” 

~ Etienne de Grellet 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill.

Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 10:00 am at The Church of the Assumption, 920 First Street, Peekskill.

Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 1055 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor.