Diana Piro

Diana Piro, 79, died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 3, 2021, in Saranac Lake, NY. She was born Diana Marie Tanzini, daughter of James V. and Grace (Dumas) Tanzini, in Saranac Lake, NY, on August 20, 1942. She graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1959 and married Anthony Piro in Saranac Lake on April 11, 1964. They had three children.

Following the birth of her son Brett, Diana and Tony settled into the house at the top of the hill on Virginia street. She resided in that house for 50 years. Besides her children, Diana’s greatest accomplishment was her home. Anybody who lived within a 5 block radius got their hair cut in that kitchen at some point. Entering the back door, all guests were greeted to an aroma of her special spices and peels that was always simmering on the stove. It combined with whatever delicious meal she was cooking at the time to create a particular scent that was often imitated, but never duplicated. She welcomed all of the kid’s friends with a calming presence that allowed you to be yourself. If you went to the Piro’s house, you could let your guard down and not be judged. She took particular pride in the landscaping, making the whole neighborhood pop with beautiful colors and plants. The memories made in that farm house are etched in all of our minds.

While raising her kids, Diana worked at several retail stores in Saranac Lake. Always taking an opportunity to show off her creative skills, she decorated the huge windows at the Cinderella shop and Altmans, and she assisted many shoppers with their fashion struggles. Taking one look at her, you could tell she knew what she was doing. From the top of her head to the tips of her toes, she always looked impeccable. She also created beautiful, prize winning, costumes that were recycled through family and friends for years.

Diana also took on the task of coaching the Saranac Lake High School Hockey Cheerleading team from 1984 - 1989. She still maintained contact with her girls long after her coaching career ended.

After the kids graduated from high school, Diana went to work at American Management Association, where she stayed for over 25 years. There, she created ever lasting friendships that she cherished deeply.

Diana’s culinary skills were unmatched, but especially her Italian cuisine. There was always sauce in the house, and most visitors never left the house without bringing some home. Her signature dish, though, was her lasagna. Nothing compared to a Diana lasagna. In her later years, she took on baking, creating wonderful cookies, bars, brownies, cupcakes, and even dog treats. These dishes were shared with all of her loved ones for holidays and birthdays, specifically wrapped with her special touch.

Diana also enjoyed her boat rides with Patti, going to dinner at the Red Fox, and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her son Mark (Karen) Piro and granddaughter Alisha, of Albany, NY; daughter London (Chris) Jones and step-granddaughter Taylor, of Mattydale, NY; brother Gregory Tanzini, of Saranac Lake; niece Kimberly (Bryan) Young, of Macon, GA; nephew Kirstan (Sandy) Greenier, of Plattsburgh, NY; nephew Keegan Greenier, of Macon, GA; nieces Jennifer Bennett and Jaime Snetzko; several cousins; and countless friends.

Diana was predeceased by her parents, her husband, sister Patricia Greenier, brother James L. Tanzini, beloved son Brett Piro, and the family dog Nick.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. There will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday October 7, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake, with the Reverand Martin Cline officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the family lot at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake.

Family and friends wishing to remember Diana T. Piro may make memorial contributions to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society in care of the Funeral Home. Family and friends may also send condolences, share a memory and sign the on-line guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.