Eleaner D Pigliavento

Schenectady - Eleaner Pigliavento passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on November 4, 2022 at 91 years of age, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Troy, NY on July 6, 1931, Eleaner was the oldest of five children. She began studying dance in Troy and eventually, would travel all the way to Schenectady each week, by bus, to further her training. There, she had the great good fortune to meet a fellow dance student, Orlando Pigliavento. And, as they say, the rest is history! Eleaner and Orlando soon became a twosome, both on the dance floor and off, performing as professional dancer/singers in local clubs and stage shows in the late 1940’s. After graduating from Troy High in 1949, both she and Orlando made the big move to NYC, where they formed an act, Two Sparks and a Flash, Eleaner being ‘the flash’. And indeed, she was both talented and gorgeous. After 4 years of dating, El and O married on 12/28/51, and settled down in Schenectady. They celebrated 70 years of wedded bliss this past December. Theirs was a partnership for the ages, on the dance floor, on stage and in life! In 1954, they created Orlando School of Dance in Schenectady. The studio grew, flourished and excelled for 68 years. Three generations of dancers came through its doors. There Eleaner was known as Mrs. Orlando (Mrs. ‘O’) to her students and parents alike, and was beloved by all. As a teacher she was knowledgeable, fair, firm and steady, but not without charm and flair! Her smile, but especially her laugh, could light up the room. As if teaching and running a successful business were not enough, somehow Eleaner managed to have five children. This is where her identity was strongest, as a wife and mother. She took tremendous pride in her children and their individual accomplishments, both as children and adults. Her pride, love and support was unwavering. Eleaner was predeceased by her mother Dorothy Kowansky and step dad Paul Kowansky, sisters Gloria and Elizabeth, and brother Jack. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband Orlando Pigliavento, her adoring children Debra Pigliavento (Don Edmans), Michele Pigliavento (Doug Burns), Mark Pigliavento (Lisa Scalise), Steven Pigliavento (Joanne), and Lawrence Pigliavento (Marie- Christine Pronovost), her dear brother Paul Kowansky Jr. and many loving, cousins, nieces and nephews. As a grandmother, Eleaner was very blessed, and known as ‘Mimi’, to her beloved grandchildren. They are Alexandra, Matthew, Emma and Joshua Pigliavento, Mia Pigliavento Burns, Lucas and Isabella Pigliavento, Julian, Jaden and Maxwell Pigliavento and step granddaughters Mathilde (Ricardo) Warren, Eleonore and Juliana Warren. From the early 1960’s through the mid 1990’s, Eleaner was extremely active in the Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC), choreographing and performing in countless musical productions. This was a true passion that she passed onto her daughters as it became a family affair. Together with Orlando, they created the Off Broadway Babies, a Rockette style dance line that was in residence at Proctors Theater for many years. She also danced in the Sch’dy Civic Ballet Co. under the direction of her mentor, Phyllis Marmein. Aside from dancing, Eleaner loved to sing, and she had a lovely voice. She was a skilled sketch artist and seamstress, designing and creating many costumes in the early studio days. As a child, she loved going to the movies, often staying all day long. Eleanor Powell and Ann Miller, extraordinary tap dancers, were inspirational favorites. But she really loved silly and physical comedy too! She just loved to laugh. Eleaner was a strong, beautiful, stylish and hardworking woman, a consummate wife and mother. She leaves behind a tremendous legacy of a full life well lived. She was our rock and our center. She will live on through her family and will be greatly missed. Eleaner’s family would like to express their deep appreciation and love to her devoted caregivers over these past few years, Savitrie Rajkumar, Shanti Lalsaranand Frieda Walker. Our gratitude is boundless. Many thanks to Gary March and the professional, kind and compassionate staff at Peregrine Memory Care for the wonderful care you gave Eleaner these past 6 months. Lastly, thank you to Deb Gutowski and Community Hospice for all your support and compassion. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. A prayer service will begin on Thursday morning at 8:15 am at the funeral home and will be followed at 9am by a funeral mass at St. Luke’s Church, 1241 State St., Schenectady. Eleaner will be laid to rest at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eleaner’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or Community Hospice.