Mary Distefano

TUPPER LAKE- Mary A. DiLoreto DiStefano, of Park Street, Tupper Lake, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at CVPH hospital in Plattsburgh, just four days short of her 91st birthday. She was born in Piercefield, NY on July 5, 1918, the youngest of four daughters of Domenico and Concetto (Caruso) DiLoreto. The family moved to Tupper Lake in the depression and she graduated from Holy Ghost Academy in 1936. She worked in the family boarding house, the Sunmount Inn, met and married Guido DiStefano in 1937. In 1942, they opened the Village Tavern. In 1965, it was converted to the DiStefano Liquor Store. She continued to operate and run the store following her husband's death in 1977, until September of 2006, having been in business at that location sixty four years. Her sisters Frances, Rose and Esther pre-deceased her. She is survived by her three loving sons; James (Anne Marie) and Richard (Sheryl) both of Dewitt, NY and Lawrence of Warrensville, Ohio. Survivors also include seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She loved people and her Tip Top town and was known for her warm and generous heart and support of local projects. She was a terrific cook and always the first in line to volunteer for any activity involving her three sons. The family will receive friends on Monday July 6th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus church followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Tupper Lake Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Squad, 49 High Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.