Rita Peters Fondacaro With my deepest regrets, I announce the passing of my mother Rita Fondacaro on Thursday December 15, 2016. Returning home to Amsterdam almost 5 years ago, it was my goal to help my Mom with all her immediate needs as well as to enrich her life. Mom’s most important roles were her steadfast dedication as a wife, mother, daughter, niece and caregiver whenever anyone’s need arose. My personal role embracing the challenges of each and every moment ultimately gave Mom and I an opportunity to have a lot of fun and enjoyable times! Highlights included joining the YMCA, attending their group fitness class and Ray Ciotto’s dance class. Saturdays were always a bright highlight for Mom, who enjoyed her standing hair appointment with our most entertaining family friend Benny Vasi for her “Hairdo of the Week”. Mom graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1944 and then graduated from the Royal Beauty Academy in Schenectady in 1945. Her Hairdressing career was long and diversified over a 40-year period; her very first beauty shop was “The Charm” on Bun St. That was followed by a very long working relationship and close friendship with Mary Conti working at “the Majestic Beauty Salon” in Downtown Amsterdam performing a creative role with a host of faithful customers. Mom also managed the Edie Adam’s “Cut & Curl” which later became her own beauty salon she renamed “The Curl & Swirl” on Locust Ave. Over the years, Mom would often be delighted when she met her former customers and they would happily reminisce about all their beauty shop escapades. The love of Mom’s life was her husband John Fondacaro, whom she married in February 1969. John’s vivacious personality, their passion for ballroom dancing and their love of family strengthened their relationship, which began in 1959 at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Schenectady NY. “Dancing the Night Away”, they both achieved expert dance status at Arthur Murray rising from Bronze, Silver and ultimately “Gold” status including all the necessary exhibitions. During this exciting time, Ray Ciotto became one of Mom’s favorite dance instructors and exhibition partners she developed her dance expertise on and off the Arthur Murray circuit. Mom also leaves behind her loving sister, best friend and confidant, Theresa Caron of Amsterdam. They were both inseparable throughout their lives. She also leaves behind also her loving nephews and cousins. One of Mom’s dearest friends and close neighbor is Edith Mikenas; who has been a continued resource of kind friendship and spiritual companionship. We attended many spiritual services and fun events at the United Methodist Church; Mom met a a wonderful community in a loving environment to both share and give love. Mom and Edith had a great time playing Rummy and taking quick day trips with to local museums, historic sites and curio shops. Edith also encouraged Mom to join the “Red Hats” which after the loss of her husband and mother provided a great sense of companionship, friendship and entertainment. I wish to personally thank Edith, our pastor Father Decker and the whole community of the United Methodist Church for being so supportive contributing to Mom’s well being! She was predeceased by her loving parents, Justine “Jesse” Peters and Louis Peters. Her beloved husband John Fondacaro. Rita was also predeceased by her brother, Louis A. Peters Jr. on November 6, of 2015, a sister Mary Peters on June 8, 1938 and her Aunt, Jenny DiCaprio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday December 19, 2016 at 9:15 A.M. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 39 St. John St., Amsterdam with Father Lawrence J. Decker presiding. Interment will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday December 18, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 39 St. John St., Amsterdam, NY 12010.
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