Evelyn Sisko

SISKO, EVELYN, (nee Fanti), 81, was called home by the Lord on June 22, 2017, after more than a decade-long struggle with dementia. She joins her beloved husband, John (2013), of 52 years. Born to Italian immigrants, Anna and Vincenzo Fanti, in Brooklyn, New York, Evelyn was the middle child of three girls. She was a quiet and studious youth, who was voted “most reliable” by her peers. Evelyn attended the then all-girls Prospect Heights High School, where she excelled as a scholar. She held various elected positions in school clubs and served as Chief Justice of the Student Court. Evelyn earned a degree in Education on academic scholarship from Brooklyn College, where she continued her studies as a graduate student. It was there that she met her husband, John, while registering for classes. Evelyn was the picture of grace, propriety and altruism. She lived a life of service – as a N.Y.C. public school teacher, her mother’s caregiver, a Brownie Troop leader, class mother and CCD teacher at Our Lady of Mercy RC Church. She devoted herself to her family. Evelyn enjoyed reading, piano, gardening, birdwatching and walks in the park with her dear friend, Rosemary. She was quite the crafter and handled most home fix-it issues with skill and ease. Evelyn is survived by her daughter Valerie (Anthony Spatarella) and grandson, Anthony John "A.J.," as well as her sister Barbara Fanti. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Frances Boro, and brother-in-law, Frank Sisko. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Victoria Sisko and brother-in-law Serge Boro, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Tuesday 1-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy, Park Ridge on Wednesday at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Ascension Cemetery, Airmont, NY As an educator, reading was very important to Evelyn. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts to Children of Bellevue’s Reach Out and Read Program. This initiative encourages reading aloud to improve language development, parent-child interactions, and academic success. Please visit www.childrenofbellevue.org, choose “Donate” and then select “Reach Out and Read” or call (212) 562-2540 for instructions to mail check.