Sister Catherine Viggiano, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on June 22, 2024 in Montefiore Nyack Hospital. She was 95 years old.
Born in the Bronx, NY, March 22, 1929, Catherine was the daughter of Louis and Sophia Pontecorvo Viggiano. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8,1949 and received the name Sister John Cecilia. She professed her first vows in 1951 and final vows in 1956.
Sister Catherine received a BS in Education from Fordham University, NY, 1956 and an MA in Spanish from St. John University, NY, 1965.
Sister Catherine began her ministry at St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1951-1956); St. Mary School, Fulton, NY (1956-1962); Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Richmond Hill, NY (1962-1965); St. Helena High School, Bronx, NY (1965-1968); Rosary Academy, Sparkill, NY (1968-1977); and Aquinas HS, Bronx, NY (1977-2001 as teacher, 2001-2013 as Registrar).
Sister Catherine Viggiano is predeceased by her parents John and Sophia Pontecorvo Viggiano, and her brother Ralph. She is survived by her brother Louis (Arlis) and sister-in-law Barbara, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, Dominican Sisters, Associates and friends.
Through her ministry of education, Sister Catherine touched many lives—students, parents, and colleagues. She will be remembered as an extraordinary teacher of Spanish and an enthusiastic and creative coordinator of plays, among other wonderful attributes. Sister Catherine was committed to the mission of the Dominican Sisters for 75 years, proclaiming the Word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Catherine Viggiano. Rest in Peace!
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service, 10:30 am
Click here for Wake Livestream Link.
Mass at 11:30 am
Click here for Funeral Livestream Link.