Cynthia Cestone

It is with a deep sadness and profound sense of loss that the family of Cynthia Cestone announces her passing on May 20, 2023. She fought her battle with cancer as she lived her life with unwavering strength and dignity. Her fierce determination and positive outlook throughout her illness were a marvel to behold. Ultimately, her cancer would not relent and she passed with her devoted family at her side.

Born in Bronx, New York on November 8, 1950, to the late Mario Cofini and Vita Cofini, she was the eldest of seven children. After graduating from Clarkstown High School, she worked for many years in various administrative positions, forming lifelong friendships along her path.

Simply stated, to know Cynthia was to love her. Her witty personality was as big as her heart. To be in her presence was an absolute pleasure, as you were sure to cry with laughter. Her unique way of expressing herself and her viewpoint was colorful and always entertaining. With a quick sense of humor, her laughter and antics were legendary, her unique “Cynthia-isms" infectious. A force to be reckoned with, she was generous, kind, truly a treasure.

Golfing and cooking were just two of many interests that she enjoyed. Anything she attempted was taken on with excitement and gusto. Quite often she could be found in her kitchen enjoying a glass of wine while perfecting delicious recipes for her large Italian family gatherings. At every holiday she took copious notes, jotting everything down in great detail so that nothing would be left up to question next time around. It was hilarious! Traveling to the Caribbean yearly, she loved basking in the sunshine surrounded by beauty. Her thirst for a warmer climate led her and her husband to recently purchase a lovely second home in Florida. Being there brought her immense joy and contentment. It fueled her soul. Her hope was to have lived out her life there.

Cynthia’s role as big sister to her six siblings was beyond measure…beyond words. It was exemplary. She was steadfast in her devotion to each of them as well as to her many nieces and nephews. They were as confident and comforted by her love for them as she was of theirs. They are grateful for her love, her laughter, and the many, many ways in which she graced their lives. She leaves a void that cannot be filled, ever.

Cynthia is survived by her loving husband of twenty years, Benjamin (John) Cestone of White Plains, NY. She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her six adoring siblings, Steven (Linda), Claudia Hartwick, Lisa, Donna Cignarella (Tom), David and Jeffrey; her nieces and nephews Joseph and Lisa Hartwick, Stephen, Nicholas and Stephanie Cignarella, Jessica, Mario, Gregory and Nicole Cofini, Dylan and Madison Cofini, and her great-nieces and nephews, Brianna, Taylor, Michael, Ryleigh, Tyler, Jack, Charlee, Joey, Kaleigh, and Braden.

Visiting hours will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 321 So. Main Street, New City, NY on Tuesday, May 30th from 4:00 - 8 PM. A mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony of Padua Church, West Harrison, NY, on Wednesday, May 31st at 10:00AM. Burial will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, NY.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the kindness, love, and support expressed to Cynthia and to all of them during her illness. We would also like to express our humble gratitude to the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Calvary Hospital. Their devotion and compassion toward Cynthia cannot be understated. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cynthia’s memory can be made to either of the above outstanding institutions.