Ann M. (Ciaccia) Tantalo GREECE - Ann was born, January 1, 1930. She passed of natural causes, May 16, 2020 at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family at home. She is predeceased by her husband, Fred Tantalo, Sr.; parents, Anthony Cistina Ciaccia; special aunt uncle, Anna Joseph Ciaccia; siblings, Rico (Antoinette) Ciaccia, Philip (Mary) Ciaccia Rose Berry. Ann is survived by her loving children, Joanne Tantalo, Fred (Karen) Tantalo, Jr. Marlene Tantalo; adoring grandchildren, Fred (Ginger) Tantalo, III Bob Tantalo; cherished great-grandson, Joey Tantalo, the light of Nana's life; loving K9 companion, Brody; several nieces, nephews, cousins, Long Island family dear friends. Ann's entombment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will be held privately. Her future services and celebration will be announced at an appropriate time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Wilmot Cancer Center, 300 East River Rd., Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627 or to a charity of choice in Ann's memory. Click here to sign Ann's Virtual Register Book Ann's parents immigrated from Celano, Italy settling in the rural town of Oakfield.,N.Y. She was the third born of Anthony and Cistina Ciaccia. She possessed motherly instincts from a young age and would often care for her siblings. Sitting around the fireplace on a cold winter evening Ann and the family would enjoy being serenaded by Uncle Joe's accordion. It was a happy time! Days were often spent gathering lush vegetables in the nearby fields. We'd hear stories about Uncle Phil munching on peas. Ann was in her early teens when the family moved to the City of Rochester, settling into the Oak Street/Smith Street neighborhood. There she met the large, Italian Tantalo Family, 12 in all, and became friends with many of the girls. She attended and graduated from Jefferson High School and enjoyed life in this Italian/American community. Fred Tantalo completed his Naval tour of duty during WW II and returned home. He was drawn to Ann by her 'sparkling blue eyes!" Marriage followed! Ann and Fred raised their three children in a cozy, little bungalow in Charlotte, NY, moving to a larger home with a great, big yard that backed up to beautiful woods. Motherhood was Ann's greatest joy! 0ver the years she managed the Tantalo Paint and Wallpaper Store, helping customers with their design plans. Once the store was sold, Ann worked as The Secretary to the Purchasing Agent at Rochester Savings Bank on Franklin Street. She took great pride in her work and excelled at what she did. Ann encouraged and applauded her children's education and graduation from college, a requirement that was nurtured by both parents from an early age. They sacrificed much so we could attain these goals. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2008 put her in fighting mode and strengthened her resolve to beat it, which she did. To everyone's delight Ann spent the next 12 years being a part of every happy family milestone, particularly her grandsons' weddings and the birth of her great grandson! She applauded the retirements of her children and daughter-in-law, was showered with bouquets of happiness on her 90th birthday, and celebrated her final Mother's Day with a joyous ride to visit Fred and Karen, ride by her old homesteads in Charlotte, and finish up with a ride around Lake Ontario! One extremely momentous and happy occasion that is a well remembered and joyful family event is the marriage of Fred Jr. to Karen, who has become a third daughter to Ann. There were many weekend car trips to Connecticut to visit her sister-in-law, Sister Mary Ann, a School Sister of Notre Dame and to Jersey City/NYC for a quick get away to see Freddy and Ginger! Ann also enjoyed staying close to home and touring the Seneca Park Zoo with Bob and great grandson, Joey! Fun for all! Gardening was her passion. You would often find her cutting the lawn and tending to her many flower beds. Cooking was her specialty! Family dinners, parties, and holidays found Ann in the kitchen cooking up a scrumptious meal for all to savor. Her Thanksgiving feast is a highlight that the family looked forward to every year. It will remain a "treasured memory!" Ann has been a longtime parishioner of Holy Cross Church and St. Lawrence Church. She has a strong faith and a special devotion to the Blessed Mother! Every Saturday evening you could find her nestled by the fireplace, reminiscing while watching The Lawrence Welk Show. The melodies made her smile and she recently confided in us that she wished she had learned to dance! While she wasn't much of a sports fan, she did like Basketball, and she'd shake her head over every one of those Buffalo Bills' losses! Ann readily stated she would have enjoyed being a teacher. So, every August she'd gather up her supplies and help Joanne and Marlene prepare their classrooms for the upcoming year. Family was all important to Ann! Her positive attitude served her so well in the best of times and those times she found most challenging. She was an assertive, strong, independent thinking woman! She is our "one in a million mother!' She loved her family unconditionally, stood by us with love, and guidance, always leading us in the right direction. Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Nana whose hugs will remain a cherished treasure! Mom wished us a loving good night by saying........ "KEEP A SONG IN YOUR HEART!" To you, Mom, a hug, and a kiss, and a prayer, always! XOXOXOX