Ms. Sofia M. Salce

Ms. Sofia M. Salce, 70, of Cortland, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at University Hospital, Syracuse. Born June 20, 1955 in Cortland, Sofia was a daughter of Ricky and Mary Fumarola Salce and had been a Cortland resident her entire life. Sofia was a communicant of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was recently employed at Cayuga Orthopedics in Cortland. She dedicated many years of service to Cortland Memorial Hospital before continuing her career at Cornell University. A tireless and devoted worker, she often held two jobs while raising her family as a single mother, demonstrating remarkable strength and commitment. In her 50s, she returned to school and proudly earned her degree from Tompkins Cortland Community College, reflecting her perseverance and lifelong belief in growth and education. Above all, Sofia loved her family deeply and took great pride in her Italian heritage, which was reflected in the traditions she cherished and passed down through generations. Survivors include; two daughters; Mary Tracy (Michael) of Sempronius and Anitra (Israel) Garcia of Homer, her two sons; Nicholas (Sarah) Whitt of Cortland and Anthony (Andrea) Whitt of Groton, her siblings; David (Amy) Salce of Newfield, Christina Salce (Darrell) Pollard of Abingdon, Maryland, Terri (David) Jordan of Syracuse, Peter Salce of Glenside, Penn., Paul Salce of Oneida, N.Y. and Angelo Salce of Horseheads, 9 grandchildren; Brysen Wilson, Carsen Wilson, Emily Tracy, Abriana Whitt, Nicholas Whitt, Isabella Garcia, Alexia Whitt, Winnie Whitt and Leo Whitt., as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins in Toronto. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday April 8, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Malachi Clark presiding. The Christian Rite of Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday April 7, 2026 from 5–7 p.m. in the Chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home, 69 N. Main St., Cortland, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Sofia’s memory, honoring the loving care she provided to her father during his illness.

Ms. Sofia M. Salce

June 20, 1955 - March 29, 2026