Gracy A. (Viterise) DiJune

Webster: August 10, 2025. Gracy is predeceased by her husband, the love of her life and her best friend, Joseph DiJune; parents, Joseph & Sistine (Ruscio) Viterise; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Samuel & Carmella (Zarcone) DiJune; sister Patricia Amend; brothers-in-law, Salvatore Ciriello, Lee Amend, Sam Tornatore, & Jack Fleming; nephew Sam Tornatore. She is survived by her son, Samuel J. DiJune; daughter & son-in-law, Hollis & Brian Downes; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jeff Waterman), Kathryn Downes (Ryan Humphris), J. Michael DiJune (Abby Sparber), & Samuel J. DiJune Jr.; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Ruby, & Aiden; sister, Kathy Fleming; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Tornatore & Kathy (Ed) DiGabriele; 5 nieces, 5 nephews, and their families.

Gracy’s life story will be shared during visitation, Friday, August 15th, 3-7 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). Her funeral service will be celebrated, Saturday, August 16th, 10 AM at the funeral home. Immediately following, Gracy will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Wilmot Cancer Center, Hematology & Oncology, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642 in Gracy’s memory.

The Life of Gracy DiJune
Gracy DiJune was born March 14, 1935 in Rochester, New York, to Joseph and Sistine (Ruscio) Viterise. She grew up with two beloved sisters — Patricia (“Pat”), just 18 months younger, and Kathleen (“Kathy”), who was eleven years her junior. From a young age, Gracy’s elegance, warmth, and social spirit began to shine.

She attended Jefferson High School, where fate introduced her to the love of her life, Joe DiJune. The two began dating in high school, their bond deepening while Joe served in Korea. Upon his return, they married on January 8, 1955, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Gracy worked as a secretary at Kodak Park until 1956, when she left the workforce to raise their children and work alongside Joe as they built their business. Together, they had two children, Holly and Sam (DJ), and later were blessed with four grandchildren — Elizabeth, Kathryn, J. Michael, and Samuel — and three great-grandchildren — Hannah, Ruby, and Aiden.
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Early Adventures and Family Life
While Joe worked hard to grow the business, the family’s early “vacations” were short weekend road trips to places like Gettysburg, Cooperstown, Old Forge, Watkins Glen, and Niagara Falls. But in 1976, Gracy and Joe decided it was time for a true family adventure — a month-long trip to Italy and Sicily. Landing in Milan on July 6, they set out in a little white Fiat minivan, visiting Milan, Portofino, Florence, Venice, Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Naples, and finally Sicily, where they explored Caltanissetta, Joe’s father’s hometown.
That trip not only created cherished memories but also ignited a lifelong passion for travel. In the years to come, Gracy and Joe returned to Europe annually — often with dear friends Frank and Vera Sansone — visiting Italy, France, and beyond. They also enjoyed an Alaskan cruise and spent winters in Port Charlotte, Florida.
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Community and Friendships
Gracy’s warm heart and generous spirit extended into her community. She joined a group of nursery school moms who formed a Teaberry TWIG for Rochester General Hospital, raising funds through annual sales. Gracy’s specialty was knitting mittens, though she also made scarves, blankets, sweaters, and baby clothes. This group of women remained her friends for life.
Her friendships reached far and wide — from high school companions to neighbors, business acquaintances, and friends she met through her children. Whether in New York or Florida, she loved social gatherings: clam bakes, dinners, sightseeing trips, beach days. Friendships with couples like Frank and Vera Sansone, Roland and Marge Conderman, Phil and Grace Christopher, Ben and Mary Coglitore, Jo and Larry Izzo, Jill and Mario Lomanaco, Sue and Richard McNamara, Babs and Fred Reimensnyder, Ernie Lisi, and Mary Alyce were among the many that enriched her life.
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Hobbies, Style, and Spirit
Gracy had a saying that summed up her love of shopping: “I’m just going to run in for a minute.” Whether it was Sibley’s, Forman’s, TJ Maxx, or Wegmans, shopping was her joy.
She loved going to the movies with Joe — often once a week, especially matinees in later years. While Joe watched his documentaries and historical films on TV, she would knit or read, simply enjoying being by his side. Knitting was one of her greatest talents; she made sweaters, mittens, and hats for her children and grandchildren — often without being asked.
Gracy also loved traveling to New York City for Broadway shows, playing cards (especially Euchre), and exploring Europe. She had impeccable taste, always dressed beautifully, perfectly accessorized with jewelry, shoes, and her favorite perfume, Diva. Even at 85, she could be seen in a leather mini skirt and cashmere sweater — a vision of timeless elegance.
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Family Memories and Legacy
Her sister and sister-in-law both remember her as a “kind, loving sister” who was always “fancy” and offered wise advice, especially about motherhood. Her grandchildren remember her warm hands with polished nails, the way she called each of them “My…” before their names, and the joy she brought to holidays. Her steamed artichokes, potato salad, beautiful bows, warm hugs, and jingling jewelry became part of her family’s treasured memories.
Cooking was one of her strengths — though baking was not. She became an expert at making store-bought pies look homemade, and only at Christmas, she baked cutout cookies and pizzelle with her son-in-law, Brian.
More than anything, Gracy cared about her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her home, and the friends who became like family. She was the embodiment of grace, warmth, and class.
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Final Years
In her final 15 months, Gracy was cared for at The Maplewood in Webster. While dementia took her memories, it never took her beautiful smile or the warm greetings she shared with her family and those who cared for her. Surrounded by exceptional, loving staff who treated her like family, she was comforted until the very end.
Gracy’s life was one of love, beauty, friendship, and family — and her legacy lives on in all who were lucky enough to know her.