Irene Devito Piscicelli

Irene de Vito Piscicelli passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born in Italy, one of twelve children, three of whom died in early childhood. She was the last surviving sibling of her generation.

Growing up in Rome during a turbulent time in history, Irene recalled seeing Benito Mussolini and the tragedy of war. In her early teens, her mother encouraged her to learn to sew, believing it was a skill that would always allow her to earn a living. That practical lesson became the foundation of a remarkable life and career. Her father, a decorated World War I hero who lost a lung in the war, worked as a government employee; her mother was a devoted housewife.

In 1967, at the request of her future husband, Irene immigrated to the United States. It was her first time traveling outside of Europe. She married Renato de Vito Piscicelli in May 1968. Their marriage lasted more than fifty years, until Renato’s death in 2019.

While learning English in her new country, Irene started what was to be a distinguished career at Rizik Brothers - the legendary women’s fashion boutique in Washington, D.C. Irene’s talent, discipline, and innate Italian sense of style quickly distinguished her. Beginning as a seamstress, then a style consultant and buyer, she rose to become the lead buyer, serving the city’s political and social leaders for over four decades. Known for her honesty, refined judgement and European style, she continued consulting with the store and her loyal, long-term clients even after retiring in her mid-70s.

Proud of her Italian culture, Irene lived it daily—in her cooking, her dress, and her standards. She is survived by her stepsons Marco de Vito, Richard de Vito, and Paul de Vito, their children and grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews in Italy and Australia.

Memorial services will be held privately.

Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com