Obituary of Grace M. Picalia

Grace M. Picalia, 90, of Endicott, NY passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on July 18, 2016. Grace is the daughter of Frank and Theresa Diaferio. She is predeceased by her loving husband James V. Picalia and her son Peter Picalia. Grace is also predeceased by her siblings Vito Diaferio, Dominic Diaferio, Greg Diaferio, Dora Cullen and Martha Barner. Grace is survived by her sister Nancy Ziegler. She is also survived by her loving children Julie (George) Eames, Jamie (Frank) Russo, Paulette (Henry) Pisarski, and James (Danette) Picalia. As well as her grandchildren Gina Christensen, Paul Pisarski, Wendy Pisarski, Michael McLain, James Picalia Jr., Gino Picalia and her "partner in crime" Peter Pisarski, who lived with and cared for Grace until she was at peace. She is also survived by great grandchildren Jordan Pisarski, Mia Christensen, Anthony McLain, Vincent McLain, Andrew Kohlbrenner, and Tyler Kohlbrenner. Grace was born and remained in Endicott her entire life. She enjoyed cooking, especially for family holidays and celebrations. She loved to travel. Grace has been to Italy, Spain, Africa, Hawaii, and frequented Las Vegas with her husband James as well as Florida to visit her sister Nancy or vacation with her kids. Grace loved to play cards, yahtzee and Rummikub, and could get quite competitive and feisty. She worked at G.E. and E.J. before becoming a bookkeeper for her and her husband's business, ABC Fire Extinguishers. She loved and enjoyed talking to her friends Toni Ferro, and Doris Dirado, and her step sister Mary Colletta. Grace was the cornerstone of our family, and the one her family went to for advice or just soothing company. All that knew her can agree that she was very loving, always willing to help and really witty. Even during her last days she was still all of these things. She will be greatly missed and never replaced and will be deeply missed by all that knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mercy House in Endicott, NY. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 306 Odell Ave., Endicott, on Thursday, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass.