Diana Claudia Salustri Clifford

Albany- Diana Claudia Salustri Clifford, 74, died Thursday evening, April 28, 2011 at home with her beloved daughter at her bedside. An open letter to those who have touched my life… Well, it is time for me to join those who have gone before me, who I believe are waiting for me, and who I have missed talking with, seeing and touching: my mother and father, Clelia (Marini) and Joseph Salustri, who supported me and loved me the best they could through very difficult times; my beloved sister, Tecla Salustri Garrity, who was my joy as a child and my anchor as an adult; my sisters, Barbara Rose, Gloria and Josephine, who I never knew well enough because they were taken too soon; and my big brother, Ezio, who I never met because he died as an infant. I am looking forward to quite a reunion with my many departed aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends! And now, the best part of leaving, my little ones, my twin sons, Anthony and James, who I never laid eyes on, I look forward to holding, kissing and snuggling the baby boys that were taken from me on their birthday because they were too precious to leave heaven for even one day. Now, for the worst part of leaving, Valerie, always my little one, without whom this life would not have been worth it for me: your love, humor, kindness and devotion kept me going when I thought of giving up. Of course, I dread leaving you, but I won’t – not really. My love will always be a part of you. Thank you for all you have done for me. You are my greatest joy. To Tecla’s girls, Diana Garrity King and family, Mary Garrity Babeyko and family, and Cecilia Garrity Clark and family, thank you for being a part of my life. James Walsh, my longtime cherished companion, thank you for your support during my sometimes difficult road. You have brightened up my later years and made my load lighter. To the Walsh family: thank you for including me in your family dinners. I so enjoyed your wit and fun-loving banter. To Bud Clifford, thank you for giving me my greatest happiness, Valerie. I want to acknowledge my late parents-in-law, Katherine and Maurice F. Clifford, and my in-laws, Karol Graber and family and Don Clifford and family. Thank all of you for always making me feel welcome. To all those whose paths have crossed mine and become friends, whether in school, work, or “recently” thank you for the laughter and warmth you have added to my life. Finally, to my doctor, without whose care and concern my journey would have ended much sooner: my wonderful oncologist, Dr. David Mastrianni and his Saratoga office staff. Thank you for not giving up the fight. God Bless you and all those you love, Diana Per Diana’s request, there will be no viewing. Contributions in memory of Diana may be made to the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Diana Claudia Salustri Clifford

October 21, 1936 - April 28, 2011