Dorothy A. (Brown) Rivecca

Mrs. Dorothy A. (Brown) Rivecca, age 88, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at The Pines at Utica in the arms of her loving family, after a brief illness. She leaves us deeply saddened but profoundly grateful for the love, compassion, intellect, wit, and creativity she shared with us during her long life. Born in Greenville, South Carolina on October 23, 1925, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Allen and Lamira (Smith) Brown. Raised and educated in Yorkville and Whitesboro, she earned her Business degree from the Excelsior School of Business. On November 15, 1947 she married her high school sweetheart, Nicholas J. Rivecca; Nicholas passed away on August 7, 1991. Dorothy and her late husband established Rivecca’s Deluxe Floor Covering Company, Inc., a landmark business in downtown Utica where she anchored the Administrative area of their enterprise. Dorothy’s professional responsibilities did not deter her from her maternal calling. She always made herself available to her family and her children, as their upbringing was her first and foremost priority. Her culinary talents were well-appreciated by her family and friends. Dorothy was accomplished in needlepoint, cross-stitching, crocheting, and crafts, and as a member of the Faxton Hospital Counsel, she spent countless hours knitting baby layettes. During her spare time, she enjoyed reading. She cherished all God’s creatures. Dorothy is survived by her children, Nicholas and Marjorie Rivecca of Wisconsin, Barbara and Leonard Kallaur of Whitesboro, with whom she resided, Lori Rivecca of Utica and New York City, and Allan and Nora Rivecca of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Jamie Rivecca, Nicholas and Brenda Rivecca, Amanda and Josh Hynes, Michael and Nicole Rivecca, Brandie and Felix Mendez, Corey and Angel Rivecca, Lisa and Dustin Haggart, Brittany Schober, Tatiana and Thomas Hansen, Sub-Deacon Alexander and Marina Kallaur, and Rev. Arch Deacon Eugene and Katherine Kallaur; her 21 beloved great-grandchildren; and the expected summer arrivals of 3 more great-grandchildren. In addition, she leaves her brother and sister-in-law, George “Gebber” and Beverly Brown of Whitesboro; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially Barbara and Jay Dispirito. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Shirley Brown; her sister, Mildred Brown, who passed away at the age of 9 months; her cousin and best friend, Ellen Talerico; and cousins Curtis and Margaret Smith. The family extends gratitude to Dr. Samuel Gooldy, Dr. Sultana Razia, the staff of the Visiting Nurse Association, and the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their professional attention and compassion. Thanks also to the nurses and staff of the 3rd Floor at The Pines at Utica, especially Tina Zahniser, and Alesa Fail, for the loving care extended to Dorothy during her stay. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 12:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be considered to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Dorothy’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation offered by Rev. Paul Drobin. “May she rest in peace, and may her memory be eternal”.

Dorothy A. (Brown) Rivecca

October 23, 1925 - February 1, 2014