In loving memory of

Kathleen Piccone
February 27, 1959 - March 15, 2013

N. Chili: March 15, 2013. Predeceased by her father, George Willis. Survived by her beloved husband, Perry Piccone; her children and the lights of her life, Nicholas Anthony Piccone; mother, Pat Willis; brothers Tom Willis, Ted (Connie) Willis; uncle, Jack (Judy) Willis; several nieces, nephews, cousins, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and dear friends. Katie was a true sports mom. Always there for her boys, volunteering and cheering the loudest. A caring, selfless person. Her talent love of baking will be missed by everyone, especially her famous cheesecake and apple pies. The world will now be a little less bright.

Visitation will be Wednesday 2-4, 7-9 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 Long Pond Rd). Katie's funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday at 9 AM at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Pk, Rochester. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Ridge Animal Wildlife Fund, 60 Dubelbeiss Lane, Rochester, NY 14622 or the Wilmot Cancer Center, PO Box 704, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642 in Katie's memory.



Kathleen was born February 27, 1959 to George Patricia Willis. She was raised in Henrietta, NY. She graduated from Sperry High School where she played basketball, softball, and bowling. She met her husband, Perry at Panorama Bowl and they were married for 26 years.



She was an animal lover. Her love of animals attracted her to Eastridge Animal Hospital. She owned dogs and cats.



A few of her favorite events were going to Vermont in the Fall to enjoy the leaf changing, and Wednesday night coffee at Joe Diane's house.



Kathleen enjoyed being a fan to her sons' sports, she liked the Baltimore Orioles, and her all-time favorite movie was The Sound of Music. She enjoyed reggae music and often said "jeez Louise".



Friends and family would best describe Kathleen as giving, resilient, someone who put others first, an optimist, easy to talk to, social, quick to make friends, and having a calm demeanor.



She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Tributes

Mary Lou Camelio wrote on Mar 21, 2013:

"Perry, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. May God walk you and your sons through this time of sorrow."

Peter Ross & Lynda Loomis wrote on Mar 21, 2013:

"Katie was a great friend, a wonderful person, and someone I will truly miss."

Sue Hassett and the Chow crew wrote on Mar 20, 2013:

"Words can not express how much Katie will be missed. Always a shining light at East Ridge, with such a warm and welcoming smile, a kind word or funny story. She would go out of her way to listen to or help anyone who needed it. Her larger than life presence will always be felt there. May you take comfort in the memories of all the great times and courage of a truly, genuinely wonderful woman. May God bless you all."

Donna Swart wrote on Mar 20, 2013:

"So sorry to hear of Katie's passing. I remember well playing with the GulfWrights in the '70's. It was fun. My condolences go to the entire family."

Lynda Easterly Hale wrote on Mar 20, 2013:

"I first met Katie just before my 16th birthday when I was hired at Lowes theatre. Back in those days we didn't have cash registers to add up all those Jordan almonds, raisinets, drinks & popcorn. It was expected that we would do it in our heads and that we would do it right. We were made to use our brains even though we looked pretty stupid wearing those nasty red uniforms that Katie never had to wear. I have theatre memories that will be cherished forever. I can still hear her laughter on the day Katie won a radio contest prom giveaway for me & a coworker. The day the Osmond boys came in to see a movie while in town for the Hill Cumorah Pageant I will never forget. It was Katie with the best idea of cashing out the pacman machine to get a little closer to them. Speaking of pacman, I swear Katie stayed even later than she had to each night, just to beat the high score. The weekend Officer & a Gentleman opened I remember Katie had to help behind the candy stand because we were so understaffed for the crowd. Still no uniform, but she taught me how to work as a true team player and the ability to have a blast while working. It was with Katie that I had my first pitcher of beer at Ground Round and Im sure Katie was also involved in getting me past the bouncer at End of the Rainbow too. Katie introduced me to baseball, teaching me the terms and rules. I will always remember the meet ups on Meigs street to car pool together to go watch some cute tall guy that Katie liked, play ball. (She ended up marrying him) Thank goodness for East Ridge and Katies fabulous Uncle Jack I was able to reconnect with Katie over the years. Katies time with us was much too short but the memories made while she was here will be treasured for the rest of our lives."

Lynn Butler Bono wrote on Mar 20, 2013:

"Perry and family - Katie was so beautiful in so many ways. I am so blessed to be able to call her my friend. Please know that I am thinking of all of you at this difficult time."

Kathy Clayton wrote on Mar 20, 2013:

"Katie was a ray of sunshine the many times I have visited Eastridge Animal Hospital over the years. Katie always had a kind word and that beautiful smile. May her family know how much she was loved By all that knew her. Rest in peace Katie. You will never be forgotten."

Lisa Piccone wrote on Mar 20, 2013:

"Lisa Piccone purchased flowers (Forever Dear Arrangement) My "Sista," I will miss your wonderful spirit brightening every moment you spent on this earth. You will forever have a piece of my heart. All my love, Lisa"

Kathy Piccone wrote on Mar 20, 2013:

"Katie The fond memories I have of you and the Piccone family will be cherished. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and Perry and your sons."

Eileen O'Gorman-Shelby wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"I remember how excited you were when you got to paint your room green and gold--you were so proud. I am so sorry that we lost contact after I joined the Navy. You always carried a special part of my heart and we shared so much growing up-you were my rock. I remember after seeing the movie "Rocky" we had t-shirts made. There are so many other memories that I share with you and your family that I could go on forever. God bless you my dear friend, I know that God and your Dad are holding you closely. I love you! Eileen"

Helga Post wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"I will miss your smile and our little talks! You were always there for me.Rest in peace Katie!"

Lisa Piccone wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"My loving "sista" your smile and warmth will be missed, the memories you gave will live on everyday with all of those who had the pleasure of knowing you. Remember " I love you more""

Debbie & Pat LaMendola wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"Katie was the most wonderful giving human being we know. Her smile would light up a room, and in turn make everyone else smile. My life is richer having met her and being blessed to call her "friend" May God bless Perry and the boys and keep watch over them. Heaven truly has an angel...."

Eileen O'Gorman-Shelby wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"You will be missed. I have so many memories growing up with you and spending so much time @ your house. All the softball stories-go "Gulfwrights", we all had a lot of fun. Pat, Tom @ Ted, you are in my heart, thoughts @ prayers. Love you Katie."

Theodore Willis wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"Theodore Willis purchased flowers (Warmth & Comfort Bouquet) With Love From Ted & Connie Willis, Our Children John, Jessica,Stephanie, & Christopher Christiana and grandchild Kylee"

Ted Willis wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"There are times in your life when you reflect back on the life of someone so special you can't do anything but smile and tear up at the same time. Being the youngest of three in a family sometimes makes you feel left out. These feelings happened rarely while growing up with Katie or KL as many of us affectionately called her. From the time I was a little boy I remember going to softball games, and tournaments where Katie was playing. There was one trip to Wisconsin where the entire team was on a Charter Bus. I remember looking over to Katie and seeing her smiling and laughing with her teammates as the bus rolled along. This was typical of Katie as she always seemed to have a smile that was infectious that always seemed to make others smile along with her. She played Softball for Sperry High School as well we were always there at her games and I can remember how well she played. As we continued to get older Katie was always there with a warm smile and a hug to match. I look back to when I had my first work. Katie got me that helping her to clean theaters after the previous night so they were clean for the first day show. We worked and laughed and had a wonderful time. Thinking back it didn't even seem like work because she was there. I remember playing softball with her and Perry before they were married and then being there for their wedding. Katie looked so beautiful in her wedding gown and that typical Katie smile you couldn't feel anything but happiness when she was like that. That same smile was there for the birth of her children Nicholas and Anthony. I can see it now that wonderful Katie smile it was warm and caring and always seemed to be there to brighten up the day. Katie always had a way of making anyone feel welcome. When she met my wife for the first time in San Diego she hugged her like she had known her for years. Immediately putting her at ease and that infectious smile soon followed after which caught on and soon a tension filled atmosphere was gone and everyone was smiling and laughing. This is how Katie was she had the ability to make any situation into a wonderful memory. Whether it be a family Christmas, a Birthday party, or the 4th of July if Katie was there it was guaranteed to have a Katie smile and her warmth involved. She was an amazing woman in every way. I will miss her dearly each and every day. Although these last years have been extremely tough Katie still always seemed to smile and be there for others no matter the situation. This was just her nature to always be there for others in their time of need. Most of the time forsaking her own needs to put others needs ahead of her own. This was my sister always being the angel on earth and now she has her wings and will watch over us all."

Laura Cordingley wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"Katie, you were such a bright light and I have thought of you often over the years. My heart goes out to Perry and your children and especially your Mom and Ted, Connie and Tom. Your father is holding you tightly in Heaven."

Lu Kaplan wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"My Heartfelt sympathies go out to Katie's family. I knew Katie at first as a client and then came to work at East Ridge Animal Hospital. What you see is what you get Katie was the sweetest person always made me feel welcomed and was a great listener. It was a blessing to know Katie such a kind spirit she will be missed so much but never forgotten."

Ted and Connie wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"Our hearts are saddened and our minds in disarray as to how someone so special could have been taken away. Your smile will be remembered your warmth in our minds as we attempt to move forward without you by our side. You will forever be in our hearts as well as in our minds. Thank You for being so special to us all."

Mark & Sharon Champion wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"I won't ever forget my first neighbor and friend. Love to your family."

sue wrote on Mar 19, 2013:

"eastridge is really going to miss you"

John and Ginny wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"Your courage and strenght will never be forgotten by anyone who new you. We will always remember the laughter and smiles we shared. Our wish for you is the old Irish Blessing, "May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.""

RoseMarie Carroll wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"I was so sorry to hear about Katie. I remember her from our PTA days at St Helen's. We were all so happy when she brought that delicious cheesecake for us. She was a Sweet loving person and had the warmest smile. . I am sure she will be sadly missed by all who new her . My prayers are with her family. God Bless you all and give you the strength to get through this sad time."

Amanda wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"A beautiful person was taken way too soon. You are the strongest person to have pushed through everything that was thrown your way. Your positive attitude and smiling face was always something I admired. You were the light on my darkest days. You certainly had a huge impact on my life. You're our angel now. I know I'll always be safe having you watch over me. Thank you for everything..and I mean EVERYTHING. You'll always be my second mom, my cheering partner, one of my best friends, and my rock. I promised you I would watch over your family, and I will forever keep that promise. I'll always love you, Katie. Thank you for leaving footprints on my heart. Rest in peace. xoxo"

Brenda I. Santana wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"Thank you for showing me what courage and true strength is. Thank you for always being there to help, to listen, and to make those around you feel better. The memories and the lessons you gave me will continue enriching my life. You will be missed."

Lynda (Easterly) Hale wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"My heart goes out to Katies entire family as we gain another angel in heaven much too soon. She was an inspiration to many of us. I am who I am today because of her ethics as my first supervisor at Lowes theatre. She taught me well with lots of fun along the way too. Her infectious laugh and positive outlook will be remembered forever. I am so thankful I was able to reconnect with her via her Uncle Jack. RIP Katie, you will be so very missed."

Loralyn & Jack wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"Katie's courage and strength will always be a vivid memory to us all. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Patty Valeri wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"Too soon.... But very loved girl..."

Nancy S Englerth wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"I am so sorry to hear of Katie's passing. She was the best person I knew. She always had a smile and a hello for me when I went to the vet. She allowed me to make payments when I was struggling financially. She let me have a try to work with her too. I loved that no matter what Katie would take the time to talk to me and even drop off meds and food for our sick dog on her way home. Katie was a people person and one of the best I have ever had the honor to call my friend. We all, and I mean this community as well as humanity, will miss her and what just the way she approached every day taught us. Goddess bless her and keep her light always shining!"

Nicholas Cappadonia wrote on Mar 18, 2013:

"I'm very saddened to hear of your wife's passing.I would like like to extend my condolences to your whole family and offer a Prayer of strength in the knowledge of The Resurrection of Christ which gives us hope of our own Resurrection when He comes again."

Joell wrote on Mar 17, 2013:

"Katie, You have always been such an inspiration to me. No matter what was going on with you, you were the one to step up and make me feel better. I remember the first day I stepped through the doors, and you greeted me as a client, and by the time I was cashed out, you were giving me a job that I needed so badly. You were kind, patient, funny and a great friend. I will miss you so much."

Jessica Willis and Matthew Lunn wrote on Mar 17, 2013:

"Six feet under All dressed in black Our tears are falling Our heads have sanked we say good bye To a sweet angel of time We know its not right We know its not fair But nothing we do Can change our affairs So stay strong And push foward And dont shed a tear The lady in white Wont disappear Shes in our hearts And in our mind No more suffering Finally end of time. Love you always We wont forget The lady in white Will surly be missed. R.I.P Aunt Katie ? Aunt Katie i love you and surely miss you thank you for all the laughs and hugs i will make sure my daughter knows who you are and what a great Aunt you were. i love and miss you. and will never forget you."

Jennifer Markel wrote on Mar 17, 2013:

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Don't cry because it is over, smile because you had the chance to know and love Katie."

Laurie Berger wrote on Mar 17, 2013:

"The world is a sadder place to have lost such an honestly kind lady."

Christiana and kylee Willis wrote on Mar 17, 2013:

"thank you for alway being so excepting in every aspect thank you for always coming out arms wide open and welcoming thank you for being so strong willed you will always be our angl looking down and kylee will never forget what a great Anut she had we love you"

Patrick wrote on Mar 17, 2013:

"Truly one of a kind. Always a kind word and always so gentle. You were my sister for all our time as a family and will be forevermore in spirit. I will miss your sweetness and your "sweets". I hope you are at peace and with your dad. God will give you guys a good tee time. You drive and he plays. Love you always"

Roger, Jean, Noah and Ashley Barclay wrote on Mar 17, 2013:

"Katie, our dear friend, we will miss you so much. You have been such a blessing in our lives and we have treasured your friendship. We can't imagine our lives with out your smiling face and your warmth and caring. Thank you for all you have done to enrich our lives. Thank you for being Noah's second mom and for adopting us into your family. We love and you so much and we will miss you."

Mary Zangari wrote on Mar 17, 2013:

"We all will miss you very much. You are one special lady, friend, mother, and friend."

Stephanie Willis wrote on Mar 16, 2013:

"Thank you for all the laughs and the love you've given to this world our beautiful angel"

Eileen Horne wrote on Mar 16, 2013:

"There are no friendships greater than those we made in our childhood and continued with throughout our lives. I was blessed to have had such a friendship with Katie. Perry, my love and prayers go out to you and the boys and all the Willis family."

Vicki and Tom wrote on Mar 16, 2013:

"We miss you but know your kind spirit is always with us. You are free of earthly boundaries and now can give your grace to a world needing compassion and strength."

Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home wrote on Mar 15, 2013:

"Additional Tribute Link: http://youtu.be/YaKyWfMlWA8"