Olympia M. Pantalone

Olympia “Libby” M. Pantalone, 93, of Amsterdam, NY; passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023

Born in Amsterdam on April 13, 1930, she was the daughter of the late James and Utilia Litto Pantalone.

Libby received her education in the Amsterdam school system and was a 1948 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School. She went on to attend Amsterdam School of Commerce, Europa Cosmetology School in Schenectady , and Fulton - Montgomery BOCES for her cosmetology license.

Libby was a self-employed hairdresser at her cousin’s salon in Amsterdam, and also worked as a technician at Fairchild Electronics and as an Administrative Assistant at Amsterdam Printing & Litho Company until her retirement.

Libby was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing many bride’s wedding gowns.She followed politics on the local and national levels and loved music and movies, collecting more CDs, DVDs and vinyl records than anyone could imagine. Anything Snoopy or Peanuts related, suntanning, decorating for Christmas, playing the piano and baking were her favorite sources of enjoyment. Libby loved to bake, especially her cream cheese surprises, with the surprise always being if they’d be baked or not.

Libby is survived by niece, Agnes Montanaro. While technically aunt and niece, Libby and Agnes were as close as sisters. They attended the same schools and even lived together for a brief time during childhood, sharing many memorable experiences. They even shared a hallway for the last two years at Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility allowing the two to spend time together on a daily basis. Libby is also survived by her niece, Barbara Johnson (Bud Hamm), great niece Meaghan Meleco (Steven) and great great nephew, Joseph Meleco.

Beside her parents, Libby was predeceased by a brother, Danny Pantalone, sisters, Christine Matola, Mary Vidulich and Josephine Holden. Great niece, Diane Montanaro and her lifelong companion, Joseph Famia whom she met while in her early 20’s at Russo’s Grill. It was “Love at first sight.” They would spend the next 70 years together, until his passing in 2021.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated Friday, December 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 with the Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis E.V. officiating.

There are no calling hours.

Interment will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Amsterdam,

Memorial gifts in Libby’s name may be made to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, c/o Dr. Michael Sheridan, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110

Libby’s family would like to thank Byrne Bellen, N.P.,the entire staff at Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility and the Community Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care Libby received while in their care.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com