Dorothy H. Lavaia

January 23, 1932-January 26, 2021

Dorothy H. Lavaia (nee Arthur), of Bardonia, NY, passed away on January 26, 2021 at the age of 89. She was born on January 23, 1932, in Manhattan, to Doxa and William Arthur Sr. She graduated from George Washington High School in New York. Dorothy began her career as a clerical supervisor with Reuben H. Donnelley Corporation in New York. She then worked at Fred Astaire Dance Studio as a receptionist and F.W. Woolworth and Co. as a payroll assistant. In addition, Dorothy enjoyed working for Macy’s in Nanuet, New York as a sales associate and retired from the company after 32 years of service. She lived in Manhattan and Palisades before moving to Bardonia, New York. Dorothy married Michael A. Lavaia in 1964. Dorothy’s other loves included her adoring daughters, Maria and Lorraine and precious grandchildren, Natalie and Mikey. She was an avid New York Yankees fan and loved cheering for her team with her husband, Michael. She also enjoyed watching classic movies and completing daily word jumbles. Dorothy was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Spring Valley, NY. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she is predeceased by her loving husband, Michael of 54 years. She is survived by her daughters, Maria Lavaia-Marzano and Lorraine Vitulano (nee Lavaia), sons-in-law, Gordon Marzano and Michael Vitulano, along with her grandchildren, Natalie Marzano and Mikey Vitulano. Dorothy is also survived by her brother, William Arthur and sister-in-law, Sonia Arthur, her niece, Robin Arthur and nephew, Nicholas Arthur. Dorothy was well known for her gentle, caring nature and beautiful smile. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at Michael Higgins Funeral Home, Congers, NY. on Tuesday, February 2nd from 4-8 pm. A private funeral service will take place on Wednesday, February 3rd With burial at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Nanuet, NY.