Diane Carducci

Diane Carducci, 69, of Eltingville, a retired teacher, tireless advocate for people with disabilities, volunteer and community activist, died Monday in Staten Island University Hospital, Prince's Bay. Ms. Carducci's efforts were honored by the Staten Island Advance in 1997, when she was named a Woman of Achievement. Born and raised in Port Richmond, she had lived in Eltingville for 35 years. A graduate of St. John Villa Academy, she earned a bachelor's degree in behavioral science and a master's degree in education from the College of Staten Island, Willowbrook. She returned to school in 1979 for advanced coursework in administration at St. John's University, Grymes Hill. Ms. Carducci was a social studies and math teacher for 10 years for the Archdiocese of New York before going to Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home as a planning administrator in 1982. In 1984, she helped establish the Center for Independent Living, designed to help the handicapped live more independently. Her administrative experience was invaluable, helping to launch the organization on the right foot. She became a member of its board of directors and served as a policy-maker and fundraiser for 10 years. Stricken with polio when she was 7 years old and left with a limp when she walked, her own personal challenges helped form her empathy for those with physical and developmental disabilities. "There is an innate sensitivity I feel whenever I meet anyone with a disability," she told the Advance in 1997. "I understand what the person and the family are going through." Ms. Carducci also gave generously of her time and energy to the Alzheimer's Association, serving on its board of directors and advisory board, and was instrumental in helping the association establish itself on the Sea View campus. She also was credited with helping raise thousands of dollars through her chairing of the annual Forget-Me-Not Ball and luncheons. Her compassion and ability to cut through red tape were cited in helping make life easier for frightened seniors facing the uncertainty and fear of moving into a nursing home. Ms. Carducci was a member of the Democratic Party, served as treasurer, advisory board member of the Staten Island Urban League, was involved with the American Committee on Italian Migration as editor of its quarterly newsletter, raised funds for the Junior Guild, chaired the Island branch of the March of Dimes and worked actively for 13 years on Community Boards 1 and 3. She also gave her time to Staten Island University Hospital and the College of Staten Island Alumni Association. In 1994, she became an administrator at Crown Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Brooklyn. Ms. Carducci enjoyed local theater and dining with friends. "Along with her dedication to the community, she always valued time with her family and friends, and especially enjoyed spending holidays with them," said her niece, Judy DeMarzio. Beloved sister of the late Nicholas Carducci. Loving aunt of Judy and Scott DeMarzio and the late Annmarie Carducci. The funeral will be from the John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd. (at Eltingville Station) on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Child Church, located at 4747 Amboy Road. Interment will follow at Moravian Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Contributions in Diane's memory to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.scaliahome.com

Diane Carducci

December 16, 1945 - October 19, 2015