Annina "Anna" Casillo

Dateline : Niskayuna Annina "Anna" Casillo, our cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024, at the age of 91. Born in the quaint town of Roccaromana, in the Province of Caserta, Italy, on September 7, 1932, to the late Enrico and Giuseppina (Pecoraro) DiFusco, Anna's life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and service that touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Anna's journey alongside her beloved husband, the late Cataldo "Tony" Casillo, began in matrimony on July 9, 1956, in Caserta, Italy. Together, they embarked on a new chapter, settling in Schenectady, NY, where they built a life filled with love and accomplishment. Their enduring partnership was a testament to their shared values and commitment until Tony's passing on October 4, 2023.
A devoted mother, Anna's legacy lives on through her children, Terry Casillo (the late Jane) and Anna Gelman (Leonard), and she instilled in them the virtues of hard work, dedication and kindness. Anna's role as a grandmother was one of her most treasured, her wisdom and affection shaping the lives of Melina Collins (Joshua), Samuel Gelman (Allison) and Michelle Casillo (Allison). The joy of her later years was amplified by her great-granddaughter Annalise Collins and the anticipation of welcoming her second great-granddaughter, Baby Gelman, into the family.
Anna's family circle extended to her brother Amedeo DiFusco (Maria Rosaria) and was predeceased by her siblings Raffaele DiFusco (Angelina) and Angelina DiFusco-Esposito (Pasquale), who passed away on the same date as Anna, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Anna developed a close friendship with Toni Mikropoulos who truly became a part of the family. Words cannot express enough appreciation for all of Toni's dedication and support to both Anna and Tony.
Educated in Italy, Anna's early years were spent contributing to her family's Sale e Tabacchi grocery store, honing the resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit that would characterize her later ventures. In the United States, she lovingly embraced her roles as a dedicated business owner, mother and homemaker, while creating a warm and loving home.
Anna's professional life was defined by her exceptional skill and passion for tailoring. For 36 years, she owned and operated Anna's Quality Alterations, where her talent as an expert seamstress brought joy to countless customers, as evidenced by her loyal client base. Anna's hands lovingly altered and created custom clothes and wedding gowns, each stitch a testament to her meticulous craftsmanship.
Beyond her family and work, Anna was a faithful parishioner of St. Kateri Tekakwitha (St. Helen's), embodying the values of her faith in every aspect of her life. Her hardworking nature and resourcefulness were matched only by her profound love for her family and unwavering kindness to others. Calling hours for Anna will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 9 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 1803 Union Street, Niskayuna. Entombment will follow the Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.
Memorial donations in Anna's name may be made to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1803 Union Street Niskayuna, 12309 or to The Community Hospice, 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com