It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ann Coticchio Pappalardo, who left us peacefully on March 23rd at the age of 85. Born in Batavia, she was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Lucy Coticchio.
Ann led an extraordinary life. A breast cancer survivor since 2000, she faced a heart attack in 2014. Yet just two months later, she was dancing in the 20th row at a Rolling Stones concert in Buffalo. She was a true fashionista, a passionate food lover, and a wine connoisseur. Her love for the arts took her to the opera, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the theatre. Music was the soundtrack of her life — from Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles to the Chairman of the Board himself, Francis Albert Sinatra.
She adored her Italian heritage and everything that came with it. A travel enthusiast, Ann explored nearly every corner of the world except Antarctica. Her favorite destination was always Florence. She ventured to places that are now too dangerous to visit and cruised across the Atlantic more than once, even flying on the Concorde.
A devoted motorsports fan, Ann followed Formula 1 with enthusiasm, and every Memorial Day, you could find her passionately cheering on the Indy 500. In the last three years, she proudly became a Buffalo Bills fan, never missing a game — even pre-season — in her Bills shirt.
But above all, Ann loved her family. She cherished the big, all-day Italian dinners, surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and laughter. Now, she is reunited with her parents, grandmother, and many beloved family members. No doubt, a grand table has been set for her, complete with an abundance of food and vino.
Ann will be deeply missed by her children, Gerry Pappalardo and Julie Pappalardo (Michelle Zirna); her brother, Tom Coticchio; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Pappalardo; numerous nieces nephew, about a half a million cousins and her cherished best friend of 80 years, Ceil Morette who lovingly helped care for her in her last months.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Buffalo Palliative Care and Hospice in her name.
Her life was a celebration, and her memory will forever be a blessing.
A Celebration of Life will be held in May in Batavia. More details will be shared at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.
