Elena Silvestri

Elena (Picarazzi) Silvestri, of Endicott, New York, was greeted into Heaven on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by her loving family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Pietro Silvestri; her parents, Tommaso Picarazzi and Julia Rossi; her brothers, Umberto, Pietro, Guido, and Antonio Picarazzi; and her sister, Amalia Picarazzi.
Elena is survived by her sisters, Francesca Cecchini and Rita Petrilli; her daughters, Maria Silvestri, Patricia Salati, and Andrea Silvestri-Erney (Troy); her grandchildren, Alan Peter Slocum (Marcy), Matthew Slocum, Brian Salati (Colleen), David Salati, Alexandra Erney, and Nolan Erney; and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Elena was born on November 16, 1929, in Arnara, Province of Frosinone, Italy. In 1966 she immigrated to the United States with her husband ‘Ceccio’ and daughters Maria, and Patti. A few years after arriving, she welcomed her youngest daughter, Andrea, and proudly became a United States citizen in the early 1970s.
She was a longtime devoted parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Endicott, where her faith remained an important part of her life. She especially valued attending weekly masses spoken in Italian.
Elena worked for many years at the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company in several factories throughout the area, retiring in 1991.
Above all, Elena was devoted to her family and preserving the traditions of her Italian heritage. She was an accomplished cook and baker who took great pride in preparing meals for those she loved. Her Italian-style basement kitchen was where she prepared many family favorites including homemade pizza, pasta, and sauce, baked lasagna, stracciatella soup, and Italian cookies.
Her famous Crustada dessert held a special place with her family as it was a staple at many parties and holiday celebrations. She took great pride in passing the cherished recipe down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren by showing them how to make it.
Elena also enjoyed sewing and altering clothing for family and friends, tending her large garden, canning tomatoes, and watching Italian television each day, which kept her connected to the country and culture she always held close to her heart.
A very special friend in Elena’s life was Josephine “Papina” Funari. Their friendship began in Italy and grew into a lifelong bond as they ended up raising their families, working together, and living near one another on the North Side of Endicott.
Elena will be remembered for her strong faith, her dedication to family and friends, her generosity, and the many traditions she lovingly passed down through generations.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nursing staff at Wilson Hospital for the compassionate and attentive care provided to Elena and her family.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated, 11 am, Monday, September 21, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 300 Odell Avenue, Endicott. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at church, Monday, September 21, from 10 am until Mass time at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can may be made to the St. Anthony’s Food Pantry.
Elena will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Lella, Mamma, Grandma, Nonna, Nanni — amore, pace e riposo eterno.