Obituary of Alessandra Dagliolo

ALESSANDRA DAGLIOLO Niskayuna- Alessandra Dagliolo said arrivederci to the world on January 9, 2016, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 88. The world is lesser for her leaving. Born on January 29, 1927, Sandy grew up in Treviso, Italy, a northern Italian city of walkways and canals that forever stayed dear to her heart. As a young woman, Sandy taught at an orphanage in her war-torn country. By night, she participated in the underground resistance, determined to defeat the Fascists. In August 1960, Sandy met the man who would sweep her off her feet, Jean Dagliolo, a handsome widower from Monaco. Their courtship read like a romance novel. Their first and only meeting lasted three hours. A week later, on August 10th, Sandy and Jean married in Treviso and honeymooned in Monte-Carlo. Later Sandy traveled to America to join Jean and make a life together in Astoria, New York. "It was love, true love," Sandy once recalled, smiling her endearing smile. After Jean's passing in 1992, Sandy showered her love and energy on her family. She lived with and near her children after they married and helped them raise their families. But once grandchildren arrived, her identity changed. Sandy became "Nona" to her grandchildren – and the greater community. Nothing brought joy to her heart like her grandchildren's smiles and hugs, their small and big accomplishments, and sharing life's everyday moments with them. Nona played a key role in every part of their lives. She loved and cared for them. She cooked for them. She took them to soccer practice. She gave them her time and listened to their worries. Her grandchildren are better people for Nona's involvement. Her character lives on in their goodness. Sandy was Nona to many others too: neighbors in Niskayuna -- young and old -- her grandchildren's friends, their siblings, and parents. Nona was a regular presence at neighborhood and school gatherings and a familiar sight on the roads in her green Subaru. But she was no old-school grandma. How many grandmas climb house ladders to put up holiday decorations? How many play bocce with a fiery competitive spirit? How many stretch rules ever so slightly to win at Scrabble or make an occasional trip to the Racino? Nona did that -- and more. Passion poured from this vibrant, eclectic lady. She loved art, opera, theater, and music. She loved parades, soccer, TV's "Everybody Loves Raymond" and the movie "Parent Trap." André Rieu had no greater fan. Nona loved to laugh, to eat and be merry, to sing, and to travel. She sewed like a professional seamstress. And in her 80s Nona took up painting, thanks to the encouragement of staff and friends at the Niskayuna Senior Center. Her painting earned her a spot in a prestigious art exhibit at Niskayuna Town Hall. Nona is survived by her children Anne-Marie (Al) Roland from Niskayuna, John Dagliolo of Cobleskill, and Patricia (David) Pollock of Niskayuna; her grandchildren Teasha Milano, Michelle Erickson, Alicia Dagliolo, Justin Pollock, and Brandon Pollock; her great-grandchildren Angelo and Daniella Milano, Jackson Washburn, and Carlie and Cole Erickson. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Tuesday, January 12, from 4-7 p.m. at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudonville Road, Latham. Funeral services Wednesday January 13, at 9:00 am at Saint Kateri Tekawitha Church, 1803 Union Street, Schenectady. Contributions in Sandy's memory may be made to Susan G. Komen, Northeastern New York, PO Box 13535, Albany NY 12212.www.komenneny.org Nona loved nothing more than her family. Her family was her world. "Le stelle illluminano il cielo come tu illumini i nostri cuori." For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.