Obituary of Grace A. Cignarale

Grace A. Cignarale, a lifelong resident of Peekskill, NY passed away on December 20, 2014. Grace recently celebrated her 95th birthday, a milestone she was very proud of. Mrs. Cignarale was a Telephone Operator for NY Tel. in Peekskill. She was born on November 25, 1919 in Peekskill to Ralph and Antoinetta DeStefano Santulli. On April 28, 1946 she married Michael Cignarale at the Assumption Church in Peekskill. Grace was a parishioner of the Assumption Church, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Catholic War Veteran’s and the NY Telephone Pioneers. Always keeping busy, Grace enjoyed passing her time doing various crafts. She especially enjoyed making ornaments and during her nursing home stay did her best to make needlework crosses for each person she encountered. Grace could always be found with a smile on her face and a thankful heart for the gifts of family, friends and her faith in God. She is survived by two children; Rachael Gilbon and her husband Leonard of NC and Paul Cignarale and his wife Stacie of Peekskill. Seven grandchildren; Michelle (Alex) Czibur, K. C. (Brad) Wheeler, Melissa (Michael) Ferrara, Diane Cignarale, Angela Cignarale, Paula (Kevin) Sarles, Michael Cignarale, seven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, including Annmarie Santulli who spent countless hours with her beloved Aunt while at the nursing home. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law; Edith Santulli and Mickey Streany. Predeceased by her husband, Michael, two brothers Nick Santulli and his wife Mary Santulli, Frank Santulli and a sister Helen (Rocco) Laurenzano. Visitation is today, Monday, December 22nd from 4pm to 7pm at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, Peekskill, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, December 23rd, 11:30am at the Assumption Church. Cremation service private. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Meals on Wheels, Peekskill Neighborhood Center, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY 10566.