Viviana D. Ruscitto “Vivi,” “Viv,” “V,” “Mama,” passed away on September 3, 2015 at home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born October 26, 1971 in Nyack, NY, the youngest of three, to Esther and Umberto Ruscitto. Viviana accomplished a great deal in the short amount of time she was given here on earth. She graduated from Nyack High School. Beginning her career in Radiology, she went on to earn her Bachelors and MBA from Nyack College. Viviana earned the credential of RT and CRA and became Director of Diagnostic Imaging at WESTMED Medical Group. She was an active member of AHRA the association for medical imaging management and was on the board and a founding member of the AHRA Northeast Group. Most recently, Viviana also became a published radiology author. However, Viviana’s greatest and proudest accomplishment was becoming a mother. She provided for, loved and nurtured her son’s heart and soul until her last breath.
Viviana was a loving, fiercely loyal and devoted mother, daughter, sister, tia, wife and friend. A perpetual force in motion, Viviana constantly challenged herself by always finding new ways to educate herself and those around her. She was devoted to St. Padre Pio and her faith in God. Viviana chose to live a life that not only deeply touched, but also widely enhanced, many lives. Quick witted, stubborn and armed with an infectious smile and laugh, one may rest assured that heaven has gained a special angel. Viviana encompassed an amazing mix of grace and grit; she was an example of the value of building one another up and always moving forward. Viviana lived in such a way that if someone gave her the shirt off their back – she would give it back but add a shirt and a free gift lip-gloss to it.
However stealthy and vicious the cancer was, it did not succeed in diminishing the wonderful memories and impact Viviana left behind. And yes, Viv, “that is (indeed) correct”. She was an amazing wife to Nicholas Roche.
Viviana leaves behind a vast array of close friends and colleagues whose lives have been infinitely enriched by her presence as well as a tight-knit, loving family who will never forget the joy and love she brought upon this world, including her 2 year old son, Maximo, her parents Umberto and Esther Ruscitto, sister Mirian and brother in law John Rivera, her brother Umberto, and her nephews and Godsons that she loved so deeply. Viviana made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings.
She will never, ever be forgotten.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, September 10, at 4pm at St. Ann’s Church, 16 Jefferson St., Nyack, NY followed by a Celebration of Life at Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), Upper Nyack.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Viviana Ruscitto Memorial Fund, c/o Hannemann Funeral Home, 88 South Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960.