Natalie J. Pavia

Natalie Josephine Pavia (nee Ruotolo) of New City, 82, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2016 after a brief illness. Natalie was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 4, 1934 to Angelo and Filomena Ruotolo and moved to New City in 1963 to raise her family with her husband, Dr. Anthony A. Pavia, who predeceased her in 1998.

She graduated from Erasmus High School, Brooklyn, NY and Harpur College, Binghamton, NY with a BS in Education. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education and Counseling from the College of New Rochelle and worked as a High School Guidance Counselor for 20 years at Evander Childs HS, Bronx, NY before retiring to travel, shop and enjoy her family. A stroke survivor for 13 years, Natalie fought hard to gain a rewarding, independent life, never giving up on progress; supported by those who never gave up on her.

She is survived by her six loving children: Steven (Jeanne Marie), Randyll (Jeanine), Dana Pavia-Dunn, Toni Frick (Frank), Jill Merkert (Wayne), Ronald (Marie), eleven grandchildren: Jena & Kaci Frick, Jordan & Spencer Pavia, Margeaux & Daniela Dunn, Griffin, Emily & Claire Merkert, Matthew Pavia, Patricia Pavia, and her beloved dogs, Angie and Binky.

Family will receive friends on Thursday June 16, from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Higgins Funeral Home, 321 South Main Street, New City. The family requests that all go directly to the Church of St. Augustine, Maple Avenue, New City for the Mass of Christian Burial, as there will be no viewing prior to the funeral mass, which will be held on Friday, June 17 at 11:15 AM followed by interment at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Road, Airmont, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hi Tor Animal Shelter, 65 Fireman’s Memorial Drive, Pomona, NY 10965.