Mary Rivera-Coniglio

Mary Stella Rivera-Coniglio (Preiato) was born in Nardo di Pace, Italy on May 6th, 1950 to Bennardina and Raffael Preiato. She departed for Heaven on January 1, 2021 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Mary is survived by her husband of 29 years, Joseph Coniglio. She was the cherished mother of Richard Rivera and his wife Tanya of North Attleboro, MA; Michael Rivera of Warren, RI; and Michelle DiDomenico (Rivera) and her husband Joe, of Franklin, MA. She enjoyed a special relationship with her stepdaughter’s Debi Coniglio-Kilcourse and Sue Lyden (Coniglio) and husband Sean, of New Fairfield, CT. Mary was the beloved Nana to Sydney, Paige and Matthew Rivera; Zachary and Madison Rivera; Cara and Aidan DiDomenico; Jessi, Tessa and Jay Kilcourse; and Rebecca, Emma and Jack Lyden.

Mary is also survived by her brothers Vincent Preiato and wife Brenda, Salvatore Preiato and wife Cris, Cosmo Preiato and wife Eileen; her sister Donna Tookmanian and husband David, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary immigrated to New Rochelle, NY from Italy in 1959 and has resided in New Fairfield, CT since 1973, where she raised her children. She was the owner of Hairport Salon in Patterson, NY for over 35 years and was blessed with many longtime clients who became wonderful friends. In addition to running her salon, Mary spent many years as a professional educator for Redken. Mary sold her salon in January 2020 and enjoyed several months working at Changes Salon in New Fairfield before retiring in August. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Edwards Church and an active member of their Adult Faith Formation group. Mary spent many years enjoying a second home in Charlestown, Rhode Island where she shared countless memories with her children and grandchildren.

Those of us who loved Mary so very much will miss her kindness, generosity, humor and wonderful, beautiful spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Due to restrictions as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, a Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be celebrated privately. A public celebration of her life will take place at a later date.