Mary A. Raffaele, an Area Resident, Dies at 94

With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary A. (DiDomizio) Raffaele. She passed away peacefully following a very long battle with Alzheimer's disease on October 30, 2017 at the Pines at Poughkeepsie, where she resided for the past 15 years. The daughter of the late John and Nancy (DiMarco) DiDomizio, she was born on September 4, 1923. On June 16,1941, she married Nuzzio ("Ray") Raffaele. He predeceased her on December 9, 1991. Dad was the love of her life, and they were inseparable. It was devastating for her to lose him, and it is now comforting for us to know that they are together again. Mom worked at IBM in Poughkeepsie for 23 years, retiring in 1985. She loved her job and the people that she worked with, creating lifelong friendships. Her favorite times, however, were just being home. She loved to work in her yard and took great pride in her home and family. Her Catholic faith was strong, and she was particularly devoted to our Holy Mother, Mary, her namesake. She is survived by her loving children, who will be eternally be grateful to have been able to call her "Mom". Ronald and Donna Raffaele of Wappingers Falls, Deborah (Raffaele) and Robert Ledrich of Clinton Corners, and Donna(Raffaele)and Donald Hoffay of Highland. She is also survived by eight treasured grandchildren: Tina (Raffaele) and Christopher LaMatie, Marnie(Raffaele) and Michael Kerin, Robert and Christine Ledrich, Kimberly Raffaele, Sherri Raffaele, Michael and Lisa Ledrich, Daniel Hoffay, and Nicholas Hoffay. We know she would have equally adored her six great-grandchildren: Jared and Cora Kerin, Dylan Raffaele, Henry LaMatie and Amelia and Emma Ledrich. Our Mom taught us the important values of faith and family. This was witnessed by the love and support of the brothers and sisters whom she leaves behind: Dorothy and Henry Hochlowski, Daniel DiDomizio, and Florence DiDomizio, all of Wappingers Falls, Additionally, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. All were of great support to us during her long illness. She was predeceased by her oldest brother, Anthony DiDomizio, youngest sister, Ann and her husband Jim Alfonso, as well as her in-laws Teresa (Raffaele) and Fred DeRico, Joseph and Theresa Raffaele, Palma(Raffaele) and Fred Bellissimoand Rose(Raffaele) and Anthony Dalbo. We would like to thank the staff of the Pines at Poughkeepsie, especially "our girls" on the 6th floor for their love of our Mom. The caring and compassion with which they provided to all of us will never be forgotten. They have truly became an extended part of our family and have been our angels for the past 15 years. Calling hours will be held on Friday November 3 from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Delehanty Funeral Home 64 E. Main St., Wappingers Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 4 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 11 Clinton St., Wappingers Falls. Burial will follow at St. Mary's cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be provided to the Alzheimer's Association in hopes of a cure so other families will not experience this devastating illness. To send a condolence or for directions, visit www.delehantyfuneral.com