BREWSTER - Florence Riso-Forte, born Feb. 3, 1920 in the Bronx, New York, was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, artist, and friend. She passed peacefully on July 29, 2016 at the age of 96. She was the loving wife of the late Thomas A. Forte. She was proud of her Italian heritage and her New York Yankees.
She worked hard all her life: selling macaroni as a child, retail in the Great Depression and WWII, and as a homemaker. Her true vocation was her art, starting with her favorite childhood toy: a chalkboard. Although she was accepted into Washington Irving H.S., known for its art program, she was forced to drop out to work. During WWII, she studied at the Art Students League and joined the West Bronx Art League. Florence was a founding member of the Bronx Museum of the Arts. She showed her paintings throughout New York, and after moving to Cape Cod to be with her grandchildren, Christopher and Aodhan, she exhibited on the Cape. She was commissioned by Bronx Lebanon Hospital to paint murals throughout its children’s wing. In addition, Florence ‘s work with scenery and costumes made stages in the Bronx and Westchester more alive. She also donated her talents to New York schools and Cape schools. In fact, many students called her “Nonna” with affection.
According to her grandsons, “Nonna” was “always there for us, always celebrating our accomplishments, displaying certificates and trophies proudly. She always greeted each of us with a smile and was a bundle of joy even on the saddest days…She was the best grandmother any kid could ask for. Our lives were exponentially better because she was a part of them. Rest in peace, Nonna, we love you.”
“Nonna” is survived by her son, Christopher Forte and his wife, Miyoko, of Bayside, NY and her daughter, Lisa Forte-Doyle and her husband, Tim, of Brewster; grandsons Christopher and Aodhan; sister-in-law Ann Tarallo of Braintree, and several nieces and nephews; as well as her kitty cat, Jeter. Her sister, Mary, and grandson, Seamus, predeceased her.
Celebrations of her long, beautiful life will occur on the Cape later this summer and in the Bronx later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to any organization that supports animals, Native Americans, or arts education. For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.
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