Patricia DiRisio

DIRISIO—Patricia Corona, 72, passed away on December 18, 2021. Beloved wife of Dr. Matthew J. DiRisio, who preceded her in death, Patty leaves her loving son, Matthew L. DiRisio and his wife, Leslie, granddaughters Olivia and Claire, and countless adoring nieces, nephews and cousins.

Born April 20, 1949 in Middletown, Connecticut, Patty grew up in Middlefield, the daughter of Bernard and Patricia Corona. After graduating from Mercy High School, Patty attended Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, where she stayed and began her career as a music teacher at Rush Henrietta High School. There, she met her future husband, then-Principal Matthew DiRisio. They wed in Rochester in 1973, had their son, Matthew in 1976 and settled their family in Rochester and, later, Long Island, New York. Patty went on to teach in multiple school districts across New York state, leaving lasting legacies at each. She also earned advanced degrees in mental health counseling, and later transitioned to a new career as a licensed therapist with a successful private practice, which continued until the time of her death. Routinely described as beautiful, smart, perceptive, caring, happy and funny, Patty was above all else kind, empathetic and genuine – forging deep, life-long bonds wherever she went. Equally comfortable in rural upstate New York and Midtown Manhattan – in front of a piano and on a softball field – Patty was the bright light in every room she entered. Her love of life and positive spirit were contagious, and her quiet strength and unconditional love lifted all those around her to greater heights. In later life, Patty moved back to Clinton, Connecticut, where she continued her practice and began her most cherished role as a professional grandmother – playing, singing, reading, baking and laughing with her two granddaughters, in whom she instilled the priceless gifts of love, acceptance, and zeal for life.

Patty is survived by her brother Marshall Corona (Irene) and brother-in-law Lawrence DiRisio (Leslie). She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

A memorial service will be held at Swan Funeral Home in Clinton, CT on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American National Red Cross at https://www.redcross.org/donate/memorial-donations.html/.