Caroline “Konky” Tridico, 87, of Warren, Pa. died Saturday morning, January 10, 2015 at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home after a courageous battle with liver cancer. She was born September 2, 1927 in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of James Rudolph and Angeline M. Scalise Tridico. She was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1946 graduate of Warren High School.
Konky was employed with the former New Process Company from 1946 to 1957, the Warren Sheriff’s Dept. from 1960 to 1970 and Pennsylvania State Police from 1971 to 1993, retiring from there.
She was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church, Women of the Warren Moose Lodge 109. She loved golfing, bowling, dancing, being with family and friends and partying.
Konky is survived by her nieces and nephews, Jaimee Franklin of Youngsville, PA., Tracy Passaro and Anthony Tridico both of Warren, PA., Marta Urban of Greensburg, PA., Tina Pearson of Indiana, PA., Terry Hillard of Wyomissing, PA., Mark Hillard of Virginia, Ron Hillard of Warren, PA., several great nieces and great nephews and cousins survive. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 Brothers – James Anthony and Thomas Tridico, 1 Sister – Catherine Tridico Hillard.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. Tuesday, January 13, 2015 from 4 to 7 P.M. where a vigil service will be conducted at 6:45 P.M.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. , Fr. Richard J. Toohey, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through St. Joseph Church Educational Center Fund or Hospice of Warren County, earmarked for the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, 1 Main Street, Warren, PA. 16365. Those wishing to submit e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Konky has always been a big part of our lives . She was our Mom ,” Charlotte Zarnick”, best friend for decades. Our heart felt sympathy goes out to Konkys family . I am comforted knowing that she and Mom are up in heaven together partying , bowling , playing cards and having a great time again .
Love.
Roger and Judy Gauthier
Dear Family,
Mom called me yesterday after a visit with Chris, Melissa and the boys and told me that Cousin Konky had passed away. Although I knew that call would be coming soon, it still hit my heart as if I had no idea. As much as it is a blessing that she is in Heaven and no longer suffering, I will miss her terribly as I know everyone whose life she touched will. Through tears I told my husband, Dan, all about her. I could see and hear her face and voice as clear as if she was right next to me at Gramma’s. I remember how she used to laugh and smile all of the time and how she would pronounce Tony’s name accenting the “o” like in “home.” She had a way about her that made you just want to be in her company and you knew that she was really listening to you. Boy, she had stories. Heaven is now a great deal livelier now that Cousin Konky is there dancing and telling her jokes.
We wish that we could be with you, but know that we are there in spirit.
Our deepest condolences to all of you.
Love,
Kim and Dan
To describe Konky in a word is impossible, but “unique” would be one I would choose. She was so much a part of our lives – whether we lived near or far away. She was an example of courage all through her life and she taught us how to deal with life’s troubles through her deep faith and humor; always humor. What a beautiful gift she was to all of us.
I will miss talking with you from Massachusetts. Rest in peace, dear cousin. You deserve it.
Love,
Sally
I will always remember Konky as a person who met the challenges placed before her with great courage, and a remarkably positive attitude–what a legacy and great lesson for all of us! When I spoke with her, for what would be the last time, on December 22nd to wish her a Merry Christmas, she sounded so excited as she proceeded to tell me she could eat more now and had gained 14 pounds! and, for the past 3 weeks she was able to clean and ride her bike for 10 minutes every day! and, she counted all her Christmas cards and received 84! “I didn’t know I had so many friends” she said! I will always remember that excitement, enthusiasm, and zest for life even in her last days.
I celebrate Konky’s life with all of you who knew and loved her—I too will miss her greatly.
Love, Peachie (Scalise/Scott/Johnson)
Konky was always part of all Massa Family parties, bowling trips, BBQ’s and all the other gatherings. My mom was Helen. Konky was funny and crazy and loved life to the fullest. My memories of her are many and remembered with great fondness. My deepest sympathy to all of her family. May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear this. ( I am Minnie (Scalise) Gerardi’s grand daughter and I remember Konky when my Aunt Julie Papalia had parties, we always had so much fun. My condolences!
Monica Fair Prowitt
I remember Konky so well as she worked as a Police Communications Operator for the Pennsylvania State Police at Warren; when I was in television news at Erie. Constantly fielding my calls for information in a respectful and helpful manner. A very loyal and dedicated employee for the Department and for her splendid Station Commander, Sgt. Edwin Gorgacz. ( Ret.).
Hers was not a easy job dealing with so many members of the public seeking much needed help from the PSP, She handled her duties with class; with a sense of dignity for people in distress. And with the remarkable dedication those who worked with her in the law enforcement community came to know over a long time..
Respectfully,
PCO Eric Johnson
Troop E Erie Headquarters
Erie
Konky was a wonderful person with a true zest for life, a smile for everyone she met, and a keen wit. She was a ‘de facto’ member of our (Massa) family who always watched the Warren High School Dragon hoopsters while sitting in the top row of the bleachers at the Joseph Massa Memorial Gymnasium with my aunts: Jenny (Clark), Jaye (Pappalardo) and Mary Ann (Schenk); and my cousin Mary Ann (Pappalardo).
She knew more about athletics than most ‘Monday morning quarterbacks’.
And, as proof she had it all together…she loved the Fighting Irish!
I’ll light a candle at the Grotto for you Konky.
Joe Massa, Jr.
Rest in Peace, dearest Konky, you will be missed forever by everyone who knew and loved you in life.
I don’t think there was ever a time I saw Konky when we didn’t end up in stitches laughing about one thing or another and like Joey and Cheri write above, she was de facto a Massa and as such walked through our lives as one of us, with as open a heart and keen a mind as I can recall. Whether at a funeral or a wedding, a ballgame or a picnic, a person couldn’t help but gravitate toward her generosity of spirit. And oh how watchful she was! She didn’t miss a thing. Ever! To this day, when I think of Konky I smile and always will. Her love was as deep as my own mother’s and as genuine. And you know, not until today did I realize her given name was “Caroline”. You see just as I was always “Rusty” to her, she was always “Konky” to me. Land while I’ve never met another Konky in my life since, if by chance I ever do, I know I’ll smile and think of Caroline Tridico, one wonderful amazing human I’m happy to have known. Godspeed Konky!
I’ll always remember Konky dropping in on us at my Aunt Mary’s (Occhuizzo) house on Union Street. She was so fun and full of life. We all (Occhuizzo’s and Salerno’s) loved her like our own. My uncles used to tease her like a sister and she gave back as good as she got!
May she rest in peace and reunite with old friends in Heaven. God Bless you forever, Konky!
Very sorry for your family’s loss