Frances Theresa Sigillito

Frances (Guarino) Sigillito, beloved matriarch of the Sigillito family, formerly of New City, New York, left this world peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on January 8, 2022, three days shy of her 100th birthday.

Frances was born on January 11, 1922 in Richwood, West Virginia as Vincenza Guarino. Her parents, Federico and Fortunata (Aversano) Guarino, immigrated from Italy in the early 1900s. Along with her two sisters, Lucy and Rosalie, Frances moved through Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo, New York; and Staten Island, New York. Her family eventually settled in the Bronx, New York, where her father opened and operated an Italian restaurant for many years. Frances graduated from Walton High School, and then from Hunter College in 1943. In March 1943, Frances boarded a train to El Paso, Texas, a four-day, solo trip, to see her Bronx sweetheart of five years, Jon (born John) Sigillito, as he prepared to be sent abroad as part of the United States Army. There, they were married by the chaplain of the First Cavalry Division.

Following Jon’s discharge from the army on New Year’s Eve 1945, the couple settled in the Bronx, where the first four of their five children were born. They moved to New City, New York, in 1958, where Frances began her decades-long career as an elementary school educator at Birchwood School and Strawtown School, teaching hundreds of 3rd and 4th graders, many of whom still credit her for inspiring them as youngsters, and establishing life-long friendships with her colleagues. Her dedication to her students was evident: the wall that lined her New City stairwell held photos of each and every class she ever taught. Frances instilled her passion for the power of education in her children and grandchildren, many of whom pursued a career in the field themselves.

Always extremely proud of her Italian heritage, Frances held her parents’ birthplace, the Isle of Ponza, close to her heart. To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Frances and Jon returned to Italy with fifteen members of their family, including their children and grandchildren. The highlight of this excursion was the time they spent in Ponza, reuniting there with local cousins and enjoying time reminiscing about their family’s history.

Above all, Frances believed in the strength of family connections. Holidays at 111 Shetland Drive in New City were her greatest delights. Relatives, friends, neighbors, and anyone who stopped by joined in these joyous celebrations, reveling in the camaraderie and the meals she planned and prepared for weeks in advance. Her Italian wedding soup and eggplant parmigiana fed the soul and spirit, not just the stomach, of anyone who passed through the doors.

In 2002, Jon’s health began to fail, and Frances and Jon moved to The Seasons Assisted Living in East Greenwich, RI, as its first residents. After Jon passed away in November 2003, Frances remained an active participant in The Seasons community for 19 years, reading the newspaper aloud to other residents and running “Fran’s Store” where residents could purchase necessities and small gifts. In December 2020, Frances’ health began to decline, and she spent her final months at Roberts Health Centre in North Kingstown, RI.

Frances was predeceased by her parents, her husband Jon, and her two sisters, Lucy Comeno and Rosalie Doerre. She is survived by her five children, Angela Sigillito of Dedham, MA (formerly of Morgan Hill, CA); Paula Faber (Vince Petronio) of East Greenwich, RI; Jon Sigillito Jr. (Laurie Gail) of Durango, CO; Anthony Sigillito (Torri Park) of New Milford, CT; Grace Maneri (Michael Maneri) of Upton, MA; her grandchildren, Laurie Faber, Frederick Faber, Anthony Faber, Chloe Sigillito, Michael Maneri, Samantha Maneri, Mercer Rosenfeld, Jessica Sigillito, and Steven Sigillito; and her seven great-grandchildren. She desired nothing more than for her family to continue to take care of each other; her legacy will live on in their unconditional love and support for one another.

Services will be held on Friday, January 14, from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 South Main Street, New City, NY. Mass will be held Saturday, January 15, at 10:00 am at St. Augustine Church, 114 South Main Street, New City, New York, followed by burial at Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 220 Brick Church, Spring Valley, NY. Please note that masks are required for all attendees. The weather is expected to be dangerously cold, so please consider your attire as it pertains to your health.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Sigillito family will be unable to hold a post-burial gathering.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff of The Seasons for their many years of care and hard work in creating a beautiful, safe, and homey environment. Additionally, the family would like to thank the staff of Roberts and of Beacon Hospice Care for their compassion, kindness, and generosity during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Frances’ name to Building Homes for Heroes at buildinghomesforheroes.org or 4584 Austin Blvd, Island Park, NY, 11558.