Obituary of Joan (Gianna) Rigatti Thackrah

Mrs. Joan (Gianna) Rigatti Thackrah, 75, of Amsterdam, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2019 at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville. Born in Riva Del Garda, Italy; September 7th 1943, Joan was the daughter of the late Ernesto and Josephine Rigatti.

At the age of Seven, Joan and her family came to America settling their home on the Southside of Amsterdam.  Joan attended local schools graduating from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1963.  She was employed at the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course for seven years before going to work for The Greater Amsterdam School District where she was a Teacher’s Aide until she retired in 2006.

On April 26, 1964 she was united in marriage to James (Tacky) Thackrah.  That union lasted 49 years until his passing on December 12, 2013. She was also predeceased by her sister Germana Kaczor and husband Richard Kaczor; her nephew, Dr. Steven Bramer; and a niece Deborah Bramer.

Joan and Tacky enjoyed to take day trips along with various Casino trips and playing BINGO. Their highlight being a trip back to Italy with family in July 1992. She was also an avid collector of Barbie Dolls & Beanie Babies.  Joan will be dearly missed by all her family and friends that knew her.

She leaves behind her dear loving son, Ernest Thackrah (Rebecca Suchy) of Gloversville and her most precious gift of all and love of her life, her grandson, Ryan Thackrah; one brother, John Rigatti (Shirley) of Amsterdam; two sisters Maria Bramer of Amsterdam and Ilia Lorenzi of Riva Del Garda, Italy; as well as nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 1p.m. at Historic St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY with the Rev. Jeffrey L’Arche M.S. as celebrant.  Interment will take place in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  Calling hours will be held Thursday morning, prior to Mass from 10a.m until 12p.m. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078 or The Lexington Foundation 127 E. State Street, Gloversville, NY, 12078.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com