Ms. Mary Ann Discenza

May 3, 1942 - September 20, 2020

Ms. Mary Ann Discenza, of Cortland passed away on Sunday September 20, 2020 at the age of 78. Born May 3, 1942 in Cortland, Mary Ann was the daughter of Michael and Josephine Cerio Discenza. A graduate of Cortland High School, Mary Ann went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from D’Youville University and a Masters in Social Work from Catholic University. Mary Ann was formerly employed as the Commissioner of Social Services for Cortland County, then went on to Virginia, serving as State Director of a federal program for infants and toddlers with disabilities. She retired in 2011 and, upon returning to Cortland, served as a Cortland County Legislator. Mary Ann was a communicant of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Cortland. As a legislator she was a leader on the Health & Human Services, Judiciary & Public Safety and Budget & Finance Committees. She served on the following Boards: Central New York Regional Planning & Development, Community Services, Developmental Disabilities Sub-Committee, Cortland Downtown Partnership, CAPCO, JM Murray Center, Central NY Health Systems, Cortland County Mental Health, YWCA, and Catholic Charities. Mary Ann had the distinction of being the first woman president of the New York State Public Welfare Association. After her father’s passing in the 60’s, Mary Ann continued his efforts by coordinating the annual trip to St. Anne’s Shrine in Montreal, for the parishioners of St. Anthony’s Church. Survivors include her long term companion Carole O’Rourke of Cortland, her two brothers Michael Joseph (Jacque) Discenza of Rochester, his children Michael Discenza, Jr (Cindy Durakis), Michelle (Sean) Woods and Amy Discenza; and brother Joseph John (Linda) Discenza of Cortland and his children Peter, Patsy and Kara Discenza. Mary Ann is also survived by Carole’s family, including her children, grandchildren and siblings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Zareski serving as celebrant. Prayers of committal, limited to family only, will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Contributions in Mary Ann’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Parochial School 61 N. Main St. Cortland, N.Y. We will be following NY State Covid Guidelines for both the funeral mass and burial. Social distancing practices will be in place and masks must be worn at all times. Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.riccardifuneralhome.com