Obituary of Florence LaPorta

Schenectady - Florence Colorito LaPorta, 82, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2017 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, embraced by her loving family. Florence was born in St Johnsville, New York on January 17, 1935 the daughter of Frank and Rose Colorito. She was a woman of great strength, unwavering faith and moral character who will be dearly missed. Florence attended school in St. Johnsville and graduated valedictorian of her high school class. She attended Russell Sage College and Ellis School of Nursing. She was a caring, compassionate and dedicated nurse who began her nursing career in New York City at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Brooklyn State Hospital. She then moved back to Schenectady and worked at Ellis Hospital for many years. Her longest and most prized tenure was at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center. She worked at Kingsway for 37 years and held many positions including Director of Nursing, Quality Control Nurse and In-service Coordinator, retiring at the age of 75. To Florence, being a nurse was not a job but a calling which she embraced throughout her career. Florence married her soul-mate Patrick LaPorta on August 9, 1959. Together, they raised their two children, Michele and Patrick, in Schenectady. Florence enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her 5 grandchildren. She was proud of both her children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments. Florence's life was devoted to her family, her Roman Catholic faith and her profession. Florence was a devout Communicant of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, who attended mass regularly and lived each day believing all things are possible through God's grace. Florence is survived by her husband of 58 years, Patrick, daughter Michele (Donald) Freeman of Rotterdam; son, Patrick (Christine) LaPorta of Niskayuna; grandsons Jared Freeman and John LaPorta and granddaughters; Danielle Freeman (fiancée, Craig Hafner), Katherine LaPorta and Cara LaPorta. Florence was predeceased by her parents Frank and Rose Colorito, her siblings, Raffaele Colorito, Celia Donadio and Ralph L. Colorito, Sr. Florence's family extends their heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals, personal doctors and caregivers at Kingsway Arms and to Dr. Peter McPartlon, Michael McPartlon and the McPartlon family who treated Florence as a member of their family over the many years she worked at Kingsway and then when she was a resident. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday November 22nd at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady. The Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Wednesday November 23rd at St. Anthony's Church 331 Seward Place, Schenectady. Entombment Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. To honor Florence and her dedication to the nursing profession, a scholarship in her name will be created. Donations can be made in Florence's name to the Belanger School of Nursing, c/o Foundation for Ellis Medicine, 1101 Nott St., Schenectady, N.Y. 12308.