Dr. Kathleen Pistone-Carucci (Kay) 90, passed away March 19, 2021 at Lawrence Hospital.
Kay, a beloved Yonkers native, touched many lives throughout her life as an educator, philanthropist, animal lover, and cherished family member and friend.
Born to Isabel and Thomas Farago on June 25, 1930, she attended St. Dennis Parochial School and Gorton High School. She earned Master’s in Psychology at Manhattan College, and Ph.D at Yeshiva University. She completed a Spiritual Development program in Westchester, trained in Bereavement at the Archdiocese of New York and was affiliated with the Thanatology Department of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. In addition to being a Bereavement Specialist, she was also a Pastoral Counselor and has offered her support to many.
Dr. Kay was on the Sacred Heart Church Advisory Council and Chair of Leadership Training Program for (YEFI)Senior Citizens in Yonkers.
During her professional career with the Yonkers Public Schools, she has been an elementary teacher; Director of Staff Development; and as the Director of Performing Arts, was responsible for re-instituting the All-City Band and Choir.
Both Mayor Alfred Del Bello and Mayor Angelo Martinelli welcomed Kay’s coordinating skills for music and art festivals throughout Yonkers. She served as Trustee for the Department of Parks; Chairperson for “Square Under the Stars.” As Chair of the Mayor’s Community Relations Committee, she helped to reinstitute the “Christmas Tree Lighting” tradition and the highly successful outdoor concerts at the Yonkers Cross County Shopping Center, Hudson River Museum, and the Marina.
In 1962 while honeymooning in Italy, Conductor/Composer Pasquale A. Pistone and his bride, the two conceived the dream of establishing the Fine Arts Orchestral Society (FAOS). The goal: to support the Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO) which would provide live, orchestral concerts, free-of-charge, to Yonkers residents. Over the years, with the support of friends, neighbors and generous grants, FAOS/YPO, now in its 57th year, has continued to thrive. It is largely through the dedication and tireless efforts of the co-founder, Dr. Kathleen Pistone-Carucci. In recognition, The Board of Directors of the FAOS, has established, the DR.Kathleen Pistone-Carucci Legacy Fund.
In addition to Kay’s love for music, she was an avid animal lover, having treasured pets all her life. When she learned that the existing Yonkers Animal Center was in disrepair, she joined a group of like-minded citizens to raise funds for a new facility. Building Hope was the project that has successfully provided a new, state-of-the -art thriving Animal Shelter here in Yonkers. Kathleen Pistone-Carucci has been an example of a “Professional Volunteer.”
Kay was predeceased by Pasquale A. Pistone and Anthony Carucci.
Kay will be missed by a host of loving friends and family, but her legacy of Music, Animals, and love for her city of Yonkers, will speak for her now.