Obituary of Dorothy Pelaccio

Dorothy Marie Pelaccio (nee Dorothy M. Babchak) was born in Peekskill, New York, on October 2, 1927 and passed away peacefully in Chesterfield, Virginia, on August 19, 2024 at the age of 96, with her daughter Joan and son-in-law Don Kappel by her side. She had resided in Chesterfield County, Virginia, since 1996, most recently at Springdale at Lucy Corr and Lucy Corr Health Care Center. In her last few days, she was cared for by extraordinary health care providers, including Catherine and Mark Girsham at Admired and Retired home care in Chesterfield and Kaitlyn and Joanie from At Home Hospice. The family would also like to thank Regina Randall for her many years of devoted care. Their loving care will never be forgotten.

Her husband of 46 years, Ronald John Pelaccio, owned a Sunoco service station that was well known for 38 years in Peekskill for its excellence and integrity. Dorothy worked as the bookkeeper for the business. Ronald predeceased her in 1997. She also was predeceased by her parents, Mary and John Babchak, and a brother, Jack Babchak.

Dorothy and Ronald had traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad. She was a lifelong avid reader and was a member of numerous book clubs, as well as the Peekskill Garden Club. She also was well known for her gourmet cooking and baking skills and legendary dinner parties.

She is survived by a sister, Eleanor Babchak of Putnam Valley, NY; two daughters: Diane M.Striano-Lent of Mt. Sinai, NY, and Joan M. Kappel of Chester, Virginia, and by granddaughters Alissa M. Turner, Courtney M. Kipp and Brooke A. Jones; and grandson Ryan J. Striano.

Dorothy also is survived by great grandchildren: Alex, William and Christopher Martinez;Ainsley and Piper Talbott, Reese Jones, Sloane Striano, and by great-great grandson, James Martinez.

A private service to honor and remember her life will be held in Cortland Manor, NY.

She will be loved and cherished forever.