Yolanda Viviani

Yolanda Viviani, of Lake Katrine, beloved wife, devoted mother, loving grandmother, great grandmother and steadfast friend, was born into eternal life on December 25, 2022 at Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston New York, surrounded by her four daughters. Yolanda was born in Agerola, Italy to Filomena (Naclerio) and Gennaro Medaglia on November 9, 1938. She married her husband, who predeceased her, Antonio Viviani on August 18, 1954. Yolanda emigrated from Italy to New York in 1956 to make a life for her young family.

Together Yolanda and Antonio worked tirelessly to create a beautiful life for their children. They became restaurateurs and owned several restaurants in the Kingston area; including The Hillside Italian Tavern and the Cedar Tavern. Yolanda was known as “Yoli” or “Shorty” by many of their patrons, who quickly became dear friends. She was revered for her skills in the kitchen. While Yolanda adored her patrons and loved making pizza, her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. In her later years she found happiness in being with her great grandchildren. Little Nanny, as they affectionately called her, would beam with pride as the number of great grandchildren grew; ranging in ages from 23 to 3 months. She looked forward to spending time with them; hearing their stories, receiving their artwork, attending their sporting events and watching them grow. As the matriarch of the family, Yolanda enjoyed sharing traditions with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; including jarring fresh sauce every August, Tomato Day as the great grandchildren called it, at her home in Lake Katrine. 

Yolanda is survived by her four daughters, Ann Marie Viviani and her spouse, Andre of Kingston, Toni Viviani of Accord, Joann Mason and her spouse, Phillip of Stone Ridge, and Maria Viviani of Port Ewen. A son-in-law, Aaron Childers of Saugerties; a daughter-in-law, Deborah Viviani of Kingston; and a niece, Phyllis Hamor of Fort Myers, Florida as well as two brothers, a sister and many nieces and nephews. Eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren also survive. In addition to her parents and husband, Yolanda was predeceased by a son, Catellino J. Viviani, and five siblings; Filomena Acampora, Tullio Medaglia, Carmela Viviani, Anna Labbate and Louis Medaglia. 

Yolanda is entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Friends and family may visit Friday, January 6, 2023, from 4 PM - 7:30 PM. The funeral procession will form on Saturday. January 7, 2023 at 9AM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM, at the Church of Saint Joseph, 242 Wall St., Kingston, with entombment to follow at Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery. Following entombment, family and friends are invited to celebrate the lives of Yolanda and Antonio Viviani at Frank Guido’s Little Italy at 12:30 pm; 14 Thomas Street, Kingston, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1^st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Fla., 33131.