Virginia Theresa Attanasio

Virginia Theresa Santillo Attanasio, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 19, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Schenectady to Frank Santillo and Grace (Morrette) on March 29, 1937, Virginia was a lifelong area resident.

Virginia was known by many and loved by all. For most of her life Virginia was a passionate cook and loved nothing more than gathering her loved ones around the table for a home-cooked meal. Her kitchen was her domain, and you'd often find her standing on a stool, stirring a giant pot while Elvis Presley played somewhere in the background. Everyone was always invited and welcome in Virginia’s home.

Virginia appreciated a good conversation – and she always had a lot to say! She loved to talk about the latest show she was watching with her favorite actors, current events even though they usually made her frustrated, or pop culture and her opinions on all of the most popular celebrities. She would sit and talk with you for as long as you were able, often reminiscing about old stories including riding horses when she was younger, working at her uncle’s restaurant, causing trouble with her sisters, and many of the other memories that made up her history. She had a story, anecdote, or joke for every situation.

Virginia also loved a good adventure – whether it was camping with her family, taking a drive north to see fall foliage, going to drive-in movies, or taking a trip to the casino (and collecting all of the free casino prizes). Most of all, Virginia loved to spend time with her family. Virginia’s family all have fond memories with her and she talked consistently about those that were most important to her. Virginia was the definition of a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was always there for her loved ones, whether it was attending a family gathering, cheering them on at a school event, or simply calling to check in. Her unwavering support and kindness meant the world to those who knew her. She would often insist on knowing that you made it home safely after visiting her, saying, “Just let the phone ring once and hang up, I'll know it was you!”

Virginia was undeniably sarcastic, unintentionally hilarious, and a little bit stubborn. Most importantly, though, she was kind, thoughtful, and her family was her whole world. Virginia was a person who, starting at a young age, always stood up for her family. She was someone who would see something and pick it up simply because it reminded her of someone in her life. Her loss is felt profoundly, and her family will miss her dearly, but we will always cherish the time and memories that we created together.

Virginia is predeceased by her loving partner, Gilbert Lawyer; her daughter, Laurie Curthoys; her siblings Pauline France, Frank Santillo Jr., Josephine Horn, and Jack Houck. She is survived by two children, Dawn (Dave) Fusco and John Attanasio Jr. (Lynne Gilgore); her brother, Thomas (Diane) Houck; sister-in-law, Gail Houck; brother-in-law, Jim France; 4 grandchildren, Daniel Colabelli, Justin Attanasio (Michele Haley), Zack Kilmer (Kimo Pabulayan), and Danielle Attanasio (Joshua Coons); and 3 great grandchildren, Madison Crotty, Luke Ashley, and Arabella Colabelli.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 24 from 9-12 at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home (1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Virginia’s honor to either St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.