Jean Elizabeth DiRisio

Jean Elizabeth DiRisio, 95, a six year resident of Bishop, California and a longtime resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully and made her eternal journey on June 16, 2018 at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada from natural causes. She was born on November 23, 1922 in Rochester, New York to her parents Carlo and Jennie Grande. She graduated in 1941 from Madison High School in Rochester.

As with many in the “Greatest Generation,” she did her patriotic duty and worked in the factories as “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII. After the war, she moved with her parents to Monterey Park, California. She became a bank teller for Bank of America (formerly Cal Fed), a position she thoroughly enjoyed for over 12 years.

She found the love of her life at the age of 34 when she married Nicola DiRisio of Fairport, New York. They were wed at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Monterey Park on November 9, 1957. Over the next eight years, she gave birth to four children, two boys and two girls. She worked as a cook supervisor for the Brea-Olinda School District in Brea, California for ten years before retiring in 1985.

Jean loved to travel, and she and her beloved husband, Nick, set out to explore all 50 states and took many cruises during retirement. She loved the night life of Las Vegas and the excitement it provided. One of her favorite past-times was camping with her family. For over 40 years, the Eastern Sierras became her preferred location. From Lone Pine to Bridgeport, the family trailer could be seen frequently traveling Highway 395. Her favorite spot was Tinnemaha Creek Campground. Even while camping, you could smell the sweet aroma of her trademark tomato sauce wafting into the air of the Owens Valley.

Jean was a devoted mother to her family, whom she loved dearly. Nothing meant more to her than to spend time with her children, especially over the holidays. She was passionate about raising her children to be independent while being compassionate to others. She loved cooking, especially Italian cuisine. Nothing was ever made in small portions, which was typical for Jean. In fact, it was her claim to fame amongst friends and family. Cooking for family and friends was a mainstay in her life. She made sure no one went hungry. The familiar voice saying, “Honey, have some more pasta” was a common theme. It was no wonder that the neighborhood children could usually be found at the DiRisio residence. Walking into the house brought wonderful smells of tomato sauce that would make your mouth water.

She loved to socialize, especially if cooking was involved. She loved people in general, and had few negative things to say about anybody. She was a gentle and sympathetic soul and she made everyone who met her feel welcome in her presence.

In her later years, her grandchildren brought her renewed joy. During this time, she became affectionately known only as “Grams” to her grandkids. Her love of family gave her strength over the years, even as her health began to fail. She was always concerned about others more than herself, even up to her final breath. She had a selfless heart that was evident to all who knew her, and she will be sorely missed.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Carlo and Jennie; and her sisters, Martha (Fannie) Anzalone and Gloria Salamone. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Nicola, of Las Vegas, Nevada; her sister, Maryanne Dilettera of San Marino, California; her sons Fred DiRisio and his wife, Michelle, of Bishop, California and Gary DiRisio and his wife, Debra, of Bishop; her daughters, Deborah Holgate and her husband, Robert, of Las Vegas and Janet DiRisio of Fullerton, California; her granddaughter, Deanna DiRisio of Phoenix, Arizona; her grandsons, Daniel DiRisio of Costa Mesa, California, Nathan DiRisio of Laramie, Wyoming, and Justin DiRisio of Bishop; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 24th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a Memorial Service on Monday, June 25th at 10:30 AM, all at Palm Southwest Mortuary, 7979 W. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89113. The Graveside Service will follow on Monday, June 25th at 1:20 PM at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr., Boulder City, NV 89005, with a “Celebration of Life” Reception to follow at Palm Southwest Mortuary from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.