Catherine Lamacchia

Catherine “Cathy” Lamacchia

Catherine “Cathy” Lamacchia of Phoenix, AZ, passed away, Sunday (February 20, 2022) at St. Joseph’s Hospital with her nephew by her side after a short illness, she was 74.

Cathy was born on November 15, 1947, in Syracuse NY to Frank and Frances (Cimilluca) Lamacchia. She graduated West Genesee High School in Syracuse and then went on to attend Alfred State College earning an Associate degree in Applied Science before transferring on to SUNY Buffalo where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education (1971).

Her passion was education and children, she never ceased to continue her personal knowledge, always furthering her certifications and education as a teacher and substitute teacher well into her 70’s.

Wherever she went Cathy made friends and enriched the lives of others through her unwavering kindness exemplified by her faith in Soka Gakkai (Buddhism). By her own determination to overcome health challenges and physical disability throughout her life, Cathy was a very strong and independent woman. She was relentlessly resilient, always figuring out a solution to any challenging situation she encountered. Cathy would travel often on her own to Florida and California. Cathy also worked as a nurse’s aide and used her medical challenges as a platform to care for and comfort others, showing them that anything is possible. Cathy was one of the most loving, caring and selfless people to grace this earth.

Cathy is predeceased by her parents; Frank and Frances (Cimilluca) Lamacchia.

Cathy is survived by her siblings; Chuck Lamacchia, James Lamacchia, Rosanne Moen, Marion Smith and many nieces and nephews.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday (March 11, 2022) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a memorial service will take place at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Soka Gakkai International-USA (Nichiren Buddhism for Daily life) in her name; https://portal.sgi-usa.org/portal/SingleContribution/Step1 or to the Buffalo State College Foundation by mail: Foundation Office, Cleveland Hall 511, Buffalo State, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo NY 14222

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Cathy’s family with the arrangements.

To leave your own personal remembrance or condolence you may click on the link below or visit the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.