Agnes Sirianni

Agnes Sirianni, beloved wife of Joseph Sirianni (deceased), passed away on October 22, 2009. Agnes was born in Allentown, PA, on October 8, 1920, and just celebrated a joyous, boisterous 89th birthday with close family and her friends and wonderful staff at the Oaks at Post Road in Cumming, Georgia, where she has been for the past eight months. Before that, she spent nearly 20 years in retirement in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida. She raised her family of three children in Flushing (Queens), New York City, and all three survive her: Mary Fico of Cumming, who along with her husband Tony, took care of Agnes and Joe over many years; James of Glen Oaks, NY, and Carmen of Somerville, MA, whose wife Andrea Walsh and son David Walsh-Sirianni, all loved her dearly. Since moving to Georgia, Agnes has been surrounded by the love of her extended family living in the Atlanta region: devoted brother-in-law Tony Vitti, his wife Gloria; nephews Vincent and Anthony Vitti, who was like a son living for a while with Agnes and Joe in Flushing; niece Mary Hickey; and the rest of the Vitti clan; Lenore, Ann Martin, Ann Catherine, Julia; and Greg Shaw, and his son Colin and daughter Hayden. Larry Grimando, Joes erstwhile and spirited business partner in various enterprises, from taxicabs to parking lots, has remained a devoted friend through the years, along with his wife Margaret. Agness grandson-dog, Ranger Fico, also brightened her life and was duly rewarded with many slices of cheese whenever he visited. Agnes comes from a big family in Allentown, all now deceased: parents Emma Hefele and Joseph Pfeiffer; sisters Margie, Marie, Anna; and brothers Bert, Joseph, Eugene, and Marcus. Agnes came to New York City to work during the war and met Joe on the shop floor of the Burton Shoe factory in Manhattan after he had returned from service in Europe. She took some time off when her kids were young, but returned to work in the Lily Tulip City factory in Queens and then became a professional seamstress, working in various shops across the city, where she made many friends over the years. She was an extraordinarily diligent and hardworking in everything she did, but remained cheery throughout, until she felt a boss failed to show proper respect, at which point she quit on the spot. Agnes was also active for many years in the Rosary Society of St. Michaels Church in Flushing. While working all day, she returned home to care for her mother-and father-in-law, Maria and Vincenzo, who lived in her home in their later years. Though not Italian by birth, Agnes is remembered fondly by all for her meatball and pasta meals every Sunday and holiday. We will miss her dearly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, October 26th at 9:00 am at St. Brendans Catholic Church with Fr. Fabio Alvarez, celebrant. Interment will follow in Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends at Ingram Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Ingram Funeral Home Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements.