ALBANY – Cecilia Helen Schillaci Fano, 91, passed into eternal life on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at the Teresian House Albany after a long illness. Celia was the cherished daughter of Joseph Schillaci and Antonina LaRocca Schillaci of Troy, NY. She is survived by her sister, Rose Marie Schillaci Manory of Albany, NY, several nieces and nephews to whom she was singularly devoted. She was predeceased by Agostina S. Giamartino, Josephine S. Farinella, sisters and a cousin Agostina S. Maroli. She has numerous cousins, aunts and uncles in Termini, Sicily and Toronto, Canada.
Born in Troy, NY on July 27, 1926 she graduated from Troy High School in 1944 and completed her Bachelor of Science degree, at the College of St. Rose in 1950, majoring in commercial and business subjects as well as education. Celia earned her Master of Business Education from SUNY Albany in 1952. She taught at the high school level, beginning at Amenia in 1953, Watervliet and Troy. Celia retired from Troy High School in 1992. In the classroom, she was known for her devotion to her students.Celia will be remembered for her love of life, the humanities, especially theater and music and most of all love of family. She was a second mother to the children of her sisters and cousin and to their children, as well. Generous to a fault, she was a spirit, a person who gave the word “goodness” deep meaning. Celia made Christmas happen every day.Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 7:30-9 PM.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 17 at 9:30 AM at the funeral home and at 10 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church State Street Troy, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery Troy.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Cecilia Helen Schillaci Fano to the American Cancer Society One Penny Lane Latham, NY 12110.
