Miss Bella T. Fabrizio

April 9, 1917 - January 8, 2017

Miss Bella T. Fabrizio, 99, of Cortland, N.Y., passed away Sunday January 8, 2017 at Cortland Regional Medical Center. Born, April 9, 1917 in Cortland, Bella was the daughter of Sebastiano and Incoranato Damiano and was a Cortland resident her entire life. Bella was born in the family homestead and delivered by Grace Spano, and lived in the same house she was born in her entire life. Bella was a graduate of S.U.N.Y. Morrisville and was formerly employed at Wiltsie's Department Store where she employed as a buyer, she then went on to a long career with Chappell's Department Store in the Cortlandville Mall where she was employed as their Asst. Manager until retiring at the age of 75. It was her work at Wiltsie's and Chappell's that Bella truly enjoyed and she often commented how they were both great employers. Bella was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church and a member of their Altar Society as well as the Stella D'Oro Lodge. She was given the privilege of being inducted into the Cortland High School Wall of Fame and was also a Wall of Fame Committee Member. Bella is survived by her sisters in law; Esther and Eva Fabrizio of Cortland, niece, Carol Fabrizio (Jim Davis) and Phyllis (John; deceased) DiPietro and nephews, Alfred "Corky" (Mary) Fabrizio and Arthur Fabrizio. In addition to her parents, She was preceded in death by sister; Josephine, and brothers; Henry, Alfred and Anthony, Tulio and Arthur. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 12:15 p.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. Prayers of committal will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. In St. Anthony's Church prior to Mass. Bella wished to thank all her caregivers, Peggy, Beth, Emily, Keitha and Nicole., as well as Judy Morris and Chris Slade for their great care and wonderful food. Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home 69 N. Main St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045. Condolences may also be sent to the family by visiting www.riccardifuneralhome.com