Irene DiFlorio
1939 - 2023
Obituary
On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, Irene Ann (Solazzo) DiFlorio, Ph.D. passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was 84 years old. Irene was born on February 6, 1939, in Syracuse, NY to Joseph and Teresa Solazzo. Irene was the youngest of 9 children.
She graduated from St. Joseph’s College of Nursing as an RN then continued to Boston College where she graduated with a BS in nursing. Irene then received her master’s degree in nursing from Boston University. Irene was a professor of nursing at Syracuse University where she earned her PhD in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation.
In 1964, Irene married Dr. Robert E. DiFlorio. Their love survived 58 years of marriage. They found joy in making aprons they sold at the State Fair, renovating and painting their children’s houses, to traveling the world together. Irene and Bob drove cross country twice to visit all 50 states and would spend months every year in Florence, Italy.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by 7 siblings.
Irene is survived by her husband, Bob DiFlorio and 4 children, Therese Brennan (David), Julie Albanese (Frank), Robert DiFlorio (Lori) and Linda Rodriguez (Joe) along with 12 grandchildren, Natale, Joseph, Stephen, Francesca, Angelo, Adriana, Daniel, Andrew, Rocco, Vincent, TJ and Alessia; her sister, Antoinette Romano, and several nieces and nephews.
Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She would bake cookies, make pies, pasta, anything, and everything they wanted! Her famous homemade pizzas, and her NY State Fair award-winning peach pie were amongst the favorites.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:45 A.M. in Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Irene’s life will follow at 12:00 P.M. in the church. She will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Irene’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.