Ilaria Lichty's Obituary
Ilaria Sylvana Riccobono Lichty was born in Rome, Italy near Vatican City on April 28, 1924 and went home to be with our Lord on July 25, 2017. She passed due to complications from congestive heart failure. She was preceded in death by her parents; Maria Marzallo and Vincenzo Riccobono, brother & sisters; Renatto, Anna and Adrianna Riccobono, her daughter Joyce Ann Lichty, and great grandchildren Ryleigh and Mykayla Lichty. She is survived by her loved ones’;
· Children: John Dennis Lichty (Kathy), Bob Lichty (Denise), Ned Lichty Jr. (Frank)
· Grandchildren: Joshua, Ashley and Chelsea Lichty, Laura, Lisa, and Dennis Lichty, Vinnie Brassesco, Allison Lichty and nine great grandchildren.
Sylvia lived in Italy as a young girl and for a portion of her upbringing was raised by nuns, often making Vatican City her playground. She experienced a lot of history and told us stories of her experiences during World War II, recalling the bombing that occurred, how she had to hide under bridges to get out of harms way, seeing the wounded laying in the streets, and sneaking bread from the nuns so she could give it to the poor in hopes of saving lives during the German occupation of Italy. She shared many stories like witnessing Mussolini’s rise and fall. For work she rode her bicycle to work every day where she was a seamstress.
She married Ned Lichty Sr. on October 23, 1950, who was in the military and stationed in Italy at the time. Shortly thereafter they moved to Washington D.C. where Dennis was born. They soon moved to Okinawa Japan, where she gave birth to Bob and Joyce. Thereafter, they moved to Germany, followed by South Carolina where Ned Lichty Jr. was born. They then moved back to Germany for a few years, then to Colorado, Philadelphia and back to Livorno, Italy. Her final move was to Tacoma, Washington in 1972 where she has lived with her children ever since.
Sylvia was a loving and caring mother, who made her children her number one priority, dressing us all to the hilt so we looked our best while providing us with a warm stable home. She was always sure to look her best as well, wearing high fashion outfits and never went without her high heel shoes. It didn’t matter whether she was changing diapers, playing with us children on the playground, going shopping, camping, traveling, or even doing yard work.
She would do anything for her children. If riding public transit were the only way to see us kids she would do it if it meant she could spend more time with us. She loved staying long weekends when visiting, going to dinner with us and watching TV. The only issue was she’d talk through the whole movie because she’d say ‘I come to talkie, not watch de movie’.
She was classy, had a presence when she walked in a room and all the while was so down to earth and social, that everyone she met became fond of her calling her ‘Mama Lichty’ because she was like a mother to all. People loved her charm, her warmth, and were surprised of her vigor and energy considering her age.
She was always up for a new adventure, going on trips with us on many camping excursions, on boating adventures, and helicopter rides all in high heels and a dress of course,. Above all she loved people and loved talking and visiting with her friends and family. She would make friends of total strangers; it didn’t matter if it was a mechanic or plumber, or someone she met abroad she’d be sure to invite them over for spaghetti dinner as a thank you. Everyone knows if you went to her home to visit you would be showered with hospitality especially in the form of food. You couldn’t leave without being asked if you wanted something repeatedly and even if you said ‘no thank you’ multiple times, you’d still find plates of appetizers sprawled out in front of you. One would finally accept just to appease her desire to make you feel content.
Even at her age, she was determined to learn to use the computer and her smart phone, no matter how frustrating it was for her to grasp or for us to teach her. If she heard a good song play she’d be the first to get up and start dancing and ask us to join in and dance with her. Her persona and overall character are beyond words to describe her in full. If you knew her you were truly blessed. Our heart’s ache not having her with us; yet rejoice as we feel some relief knowing she has entered into God's loving arms. The only thing that makes this a little less painful for us left behind is knowing we will see her again someday. Mom, watch over us until we meet up with you in heaven. We all love you and miss you dearly. You are eternally loved!
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