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Louise Yablonsky Risio - Class of 1951

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 11/Jul/2016
75.172.235.168

    Louise M. Yablonsky Risio - The Beloved soul of Louise M. Risio, (aka Cookie) passed away peacefully on Monday, July 11, 2016 surrounded by her loving and devoted family. A devout Catholic, she spoke of death as sad for the people left behind on Earth, but for the one called back home to Heaven, “Glorious”. Born January 7, 1934 to John and Carrie (Torraca) Yablonsky, she spent her youth enjoying picnics in Downing Park as well as rowing and swimming in the Hudson River with her parents. She had many fond memories of growing up on Montgomery Street, and the life long friendships she made, which often brought a smile to her face. While attending St. Patrick’s grammar school, Louise was part of the eighth grade girls’ basketball team. Under the direction of Coach, Fr. Richard Luedke, they won the New York State Championship. Father Luedke would remain in Louise’s adult life not only as her pastor, but admired friend. In high school she was captain of the cheerleading squad and graduated from N.F.A. class of 1952. Louise married her love and best friend, Ralph S. Risio in 1953. At that time, she was employed by New York Telephone and was their youngest AT&T service representative until she left to raise her family. She was smart, kind, and always pleasant. Attributes that served her well. Well read, she often engaged people in conversation and people always enjoyed talking with her. Later in life she was the friendly face of Gull Harbour Marina and American Dock Corporation, where she was office manager of the family businesses for many years. Louise was a woman of great faith, and often spoke of her loving relationship with God. Anyone in need would be prayed for and placed on her lengthy prayer list. She began each day with a cup of coffee and the Rosary. Louise had the religious experience of her lifetime traveling to Mexico and Yugoslavia to pay homage to the Blessed Mother at the Shrines of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Medjugorje. Louise will always be remembered as a devoted wife, a wise and gifted mother, and good friend. Her children brought her great joy, and guided them well with her words of wisdom, often accompanied by a relevant saying or song from one of her favorite classic movies or music. Like her mother, she was a smart dresser and often wore bright colors on dreary days to “make her own sunshine”. She was the thread that held the family together during good and bad times. She will be greatly missed. Her generosity knew no bounds. Louise is predeceased by her son Richard A. Risio. She leaves behind her husband Ralph of 62 years, and remaining children: Katherine Risio-Smith and husband Tom of West Shokan, NY, Ralph Risio of New Paltz, Mark Risio, Susan Chesser and husband Robert of Newburgh, Ann Hasbrouck and husband Dave of Marlboro, NY; grandchildren: Michael Gagliano and wife Gosia, Kevin Gagliano, Mark Jr., Michael, and Megan Risio, Deanna and Gina Pillius; two great-grandchildren: Mateo and Mila Gagliano; step grand-children: Kayla and Lauren Hasbrouck, Kristy, James and Ben Chesser. The family wishes to thank Hospice and the many people who prayed for her during her long courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday, July 14 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass will be held at 9 am on Friday, July 15 in St. Patrick’s Church, Newburgh, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor. Memorial contributions in Louise’s name may be made to Hospice of Orange - January 7, 1934 - July 11, 2016

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