Laurene Biviano

1940 - 2024

Wilton, NY - Laurene Biviano, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on November 20, 2024. Laurene will always be remembered for her strength, steadfast faith and love of family. 

Born on January 19, 1940 in Cortland, NY to Gerald and Angeline Yacavone, Laurene was the eldest of three children. As she grew up in the small town of Cortland, she was surrounded by a large Italian family that included nineteen aunts and uncles and twenty-five first cousins. After she graduated from Cortland High School, Laurene began a career in cosmetology. She truly enjoyed this profession, because it fulfilled her desire to be creative and to help people be happy and look their best. 

On November 25, 1965, Laurene married the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” Biviano. Eventually, Laurene joined her husband in the hospitality industry. Together, they owned two well-known restaurants, The Cortland Shamrock and The Tavern. She loved the connections she made with family, friends and people in the community. For Laurene, preparing and serving a meal was a meaningful expression of love. 

After many years of long hours and hard work, Laurene and Bobby sold their restaurants in 1980 and moved to Guilderland, NY with their three children. As a devoted homemaker, she passed on her love of food and passion for cooking to her children and grandchildren. Laurene’s family and friends will greatly miss her delicious home cooked meals, especially her homemade raviolis, meatballs, stuffed artichokes, cream puffs and chocolate whiskey cookies. 

Fondly referred to as “Mama Biv,” Laurene made an indelible impression on her children’s friends. She was often referred to as one of a kind and an incredible person with an amazing soul. She lived life to the fullest and brought much joy and laughter into everyone’s lives. 

Those who knew Laurene will also remember her as a woman of faith. She embodied deep spiritual beliefs and integrated those beliefs into her daily life. Her prayer was intentional and unwavering, especially for those in need. Laurene’s convictions blessed her with the ability to face adversity with hope, and she inspired others to do the same. She was a blessing to so many.

Left to honor Laurene and remember her love are her children, Carla Biviano (Tammy Crump) of Wilton, NY, Micheal Biviano of Scottsdale, AZ, Tiffany (Gregory) Morris of Wilton, NY; three grandchildren, Michael, Bobby and Olivia; sister Dorinda (Terry) Strauf of Homer, NY. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews. 

Laurene is preceded in death by her husband of twenty-nine years Robert Biviano; her parents Gerald and Angeline Yacavone; brother, Gerald Yacavone, Jr. and his wife, Vesta.  

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-7p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

A private burial for the family will be at 12p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 4101 West Road, Cortland, NY 13045.

Donations in Laurene’s honor can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at https://childrenscancer.org/impact/?campaign=568051