Dalia Cavicchioni, 96, affectionately known as “Dolly” passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at The Pines where she had been a resident since July of 2025.

Dolly was born on August 6, 1929, in Smock, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Pio and Assunta Cavicchioni.

She graduated from Newtown High School in 1947 wanting to pursue a career in nursing.  However, her path took a different course and she became a bookkeeper, working for several different companies over the years as well as many years working in the insurance field.

Dolly was a well-known figure in Catskill from as far back as the 1940’s when her parents moved up from Queens, NY to operate the Ridge Colony boarding house.  She did everything from being a chambermaid, cook, server, bar tender and “taxi driver” to pick up guests arriving by train from New York City.  When the family sold the boarding house in 1959 after her father passed, she dedicated herself to taking care of her mother and then her brother.

Dolly never sat still.  She was a proud member of Citizen’s Hose #5 Rescue Squad and Fire Company, being one of the first female firefighters.  She also belonged to many organizations including the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, the Lions Club, the Royal Order of Blue Vests, the George F. Hixson Fellow and past president of Catskill Kiwanis International, past president of the Columbiettes, past president of the Hudson Valley Insurance Professionals and named Hudson Valley Insurance Woman of the Year in 1989.

Dolly was also a very accomplished bowler with many awards including being a member of the “200 Club” and “500 Club”.  She spoke fluent Italian and loved her numerous trips to Italy but was most happy being home with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother Constantino Lappa and his wife Dena, sister Mary Laurita and her husband Dominic, sister Armida Marafioti and her husband Joseph, and her niece, Daria Marafioti Kostek.

She is survived by her nieces and nephew, including Janette, Patricia, Joseph and Lisa; great nieces Melissa, Michelle, Diana, Heather, Jessica, Elizabeth, Meghan and Erin; and great great nieces and nephews Delilah, Pierce, Emerson, Camilla, Carsten, Ruby, Georgie, Luke, Ella, Rowan, Hudson and Reagan Paige.

Special thanks to all the staff members at both Home Sweet Home and The Pines for their loving care and compassion.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill. A funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be held at a future date in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Catskill.

Dolly loved everyone and without fail said “God Bless You” to anyone she met.  If you know, you know.

Messages of condolence may be made to TraverMc.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Breanna Lennon DelVecchio and Robert Gaus of Traver & McCurry Funeral Home.