Concetta G. Lopez, 86, a resident of Beacon, died on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at her home.
Born in Buchanan on May 15, 1927, she was the daughter of Vincenzo and Mary Chindamo Letteri. Connie was the co-owner of Niki's Luggage with her husband Nicholas Gizzarelli until his death in 1974. She was the owner until 1980 and then her daughter Janet Tasetano took over ownership, where they worked side by side until the store closed in 1988. Friendships were made over matching shoes and handbags, memories never to be forgotten thank you!!!!
On August 8, 1946, Concetta married Nicholas Gizzarelli who predeceased her on October 8, 1974. After their marriage, they moved to Beacon to raise their four children. On December 9, 1980, Concetta married Felix Lopez who predeceased her on February 21, 2005. During their marriage, they resided in Wappingers Falls. She returned to Beacon following his death to be closer to her children and to be cared for at home.
She was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church in Beacon and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the St. Rocco Society in Beacon.
Connie was always happy gardening and cooking her specialty dishes and not happy unless she prepared her favorites of apple pie and rice pudding. Knitting sweaters for the grandchildren became a passion after her retirement from Niki's Gifts & Luggage. She was a mentor, a teacher, a friend and will deeply missed
She is survived by her loving children, Susan G. Irvine of Largo, Florida, as well as 3 grandchildren, Matthew Irvine of Nebraska, Jaime & Nicholas Irvine Florida and 1 great grandchild Bethany Irvine of Nebraska; Janet G. & Paul Tasetano of Fishkill, as well as 2 grandchildren, Jared & Seth Tasetano; and Michael Gizzarelli of Newburgh; her loving sister, Grace Garbellano of Glenham; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Nicholas Gizzarelli who predeceased her on March 27, 1995 and her sister, Teresa Lancaster who died in 2012.
To our mother's devoted caregivers, we are forever grateful - Yul Berry, Brenda Williams, Ashley VanVeilt, Kristen Sage and Cynthia Smith.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10am at St. John the Evangelist Church, Beacon followed by entombment in the Community Mausoleum at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill.
For driving directions and online condolences, please visit Concetta's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.