Virginia Louise Coniglio

Virginia Louise Coniglio: wife, mother, sister, grandmother, cousin, and friend. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

Virginia was born on March 10, 1939 at New York Metropolitan Hospital in New York, New York. She was the daughter of Ciro and Filomena Peres. Raised in New York City, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Virginia was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Virginia was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Virginia was the family member who was always working to keep peace. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Virginia also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Virginia was raised with two siblings. She had an older sister, Tina (born in 1935) and a younger sister, Marie (born in 1942). Virginia and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Virginia enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Virginia was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. Good with details, Virginia was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. In 1956, Virginia graduated from Central Commercial High School, a technical school in New York City. Her favorite class in high school was shorthand. She achieved a certificate for 120 words per minute.

Most folks would say that Virginia was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Virginia was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Virginia kept. While growing up, some of her best friends were Phyllis Minetti, Mary Ann (Coniglio) Robinson, Rita (Grillo) Scocozza, and Julie (Puig) Martinez. Later in life, she became friends with Shirley Shannon, Lorraine Rinaldi, Rose Gregorich, Frank & Mary Totter, and Glory & Joe D'Arrigo.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Virginia. On June 6, 1959 Virginia married Joseph A. Coniglio at St. Joan of Arc Church in New York. She was totally committed to Joseph and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. Virginia disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Virginia was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Virginia was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Virginia was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Virginia was blessed with two children- one daughter, Diane Wright and one son, John Coniglio. She was also blessed with five grandchildren: Joshua Wright, Madison Wright, Cassidy Wright, Raquel Coniglio, and Joey Coniglio.

Growing up, Virginia had a dog named Buster. Once her two kids were old enough the family got a Cockapoo, Barney, who lived for 17 years. Virginia treated Barney like her third child!

If you gave Virginia a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Virginia was always on task. Without hesitation, Virginia could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. After high school, she worked as a secretary at an insurance company. She was employed until her first child was born.

After her children were grown, Virginia went back to work in 1972 serving lunches at the elementary school. She did this for 20 years until retiring in 1992. Even in retirement, Virginia continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Virginia's favorite pursuit as an adult was traveling. Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with her had smooth sailing. After Virginia and her husband retired, they traveled and cruised. Her favorite cruise was to Alaska in 1995. Along with the cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean, her other stateside favorites were: Branson, Missouri; Vancouver, Canada; Niagra Falls; and New Orleans. She also enjoyed playing video poker, but was also content to sit quietly alone, reading her People magazine and doing crossword puzzles.

Virginia passed away on December 27, 2010 at her home in Henderson, Nevada after fighting an 18 month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She is survived by her loving spouse, Joe; her children, Diane (Jeff) and John (Michelle); her sisters, Concetta and Marie; her grandchildren: Joshua, Madison, Cassidy, Raquel, and Joey; and her Godson, Anthony Ingenito. Services were held at Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Virginia was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Virginia was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Virginia Coniglio was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Virginia. She will be missed.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.