Virginia Piccini, a resident of Hartsdale, passed away on January 23, 2018 at the age of 90. Virginia was born on November 21, 1927 in New York City to Concetta (nee Bordonaro) and Ignazio Vonfrolio. Virginia married the love of her life, Peter, on March 31, 1963 at the Church of the Nativity in New York City. He predeceased her in 2005.
Virginia is survived by her children Michael (Nancy) of Hartsdale, and Gerard (Elsie) of Monroe, NJ; and her grandchildren Michael, Joseph, Angelica, Gerard and Peter. She is predeceased by her brothers Salvatore, Carmine and Peter and her sister Millie.
Virginia (“Vee”, Grandma Vee”, “Aunt Vee”) lived a beautiful life, continuously devoted to God and to all those that came into her life, regardless of whether you were a family member or met her for the first time. You’d rarely find her without a smile on her face. She cherished every moment of life, often singing and dancing. Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.
Virginia was a devoted parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish for over 50 years, and was a long-time member of the Legion of Mary. She served as President of the Sacred Heart Mother's Club, and was a Cub Scout Den Mother.
Virginia was employed by the White Plains school district. Previously, she was a talented seamstress at Bergdorf Goodman. In the 1950’s, while shopping for beads to make a dress for her brother’s wedding in Manhattan, she was unexpectedly pranked by the long running TV show Candid Camera. Her family shared that wonderful moment together watching the episode on a friend’s TV. Her 15 minutes of fame was extended in 1984 when she was photographed by an Associated Press photographer while witnessing a NY visit of Pope John Paul II. Her facial expressions so impressed the photographer that her image was posted on newspapers across the country, including a commemorative book published for the Pope’s visit. She received a letter from a person in California who complimented her for the touching photo. Virginia did not seek or desire any extra attention or fame. She simply touched everyone she met and had a positive impact on everyone that had the pleasure of sharing their life with her.