Frances (DeFina) Piscitelli on January 6, 2020 . She was born in The Bronx on January 16, 1930 and attended and graduated from Walton HS in that borough. She furthered her education by earning a bachelor’s degree at Herbert H Lehman College of the City University of New York where she was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa key . She went on to earn two masters degrees in counseling at Fordham University . Upon completion of her studies Fran held several guidance and counseling positions first in the NYC public school system and then at Baruch and Mercy Colleges. Fran’s love of volunteerism was best exemplified by her decades serving as a docent at her beloved NY Botanical Garden. She also helped other as a literacy volunteer at The Lighthouse and gave her time counseling battered spouses and delivering meals for housebound families. A regular fixture at the Columbus Citizens Foundation, Fran was a supporter of Italian American causes.

A devoted wife to Peter of 62 years and mother to Anthony (Skip) as well as an adoring aunt , Fran will be remembered for her care, compassion and empathy to all who she touched. Reposing Wednesday Jan 8th from 4-8 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave., Bx.  Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday 9:45 am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church.  Committal is private.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the NY Botanical Garden.