Dorothy J. Reese

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Friend

Dorothy J. Reese, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and devoted Catholic, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in Bluffton, SC.  She was born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, and built a life marked by faith, strength, devotion, and deep love for her family and friends.  She moved to New York, then Florida, and finally South Carolina.

Dorothy worked at Queens County Savings Bank where she dedicated many years with a strong work ethic and a warm smile that endeared her to colleagues and customers alike.

Dorothy’s life was rich with faith, family, and friendship. Dorothy enjoyed spending time with family, hibachi, shopping, playing pick-up sticks with her grandchildren, flamingos, and the color pink. She was also a devoted and active member of the Sons of Italy, where she found joy, purpose, and camaraderie. Whether it was bowling or playing bocce, Dorothy’s competitive spirit and infectious laughter made her a treasured companion to all who knew her.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Mario Cannizzo, her second husband, Edwin Reese, and stepson, Joseph Cannizzo.  She carried their memories throughout her life.

She is survived by her loving children: Mario, Dotti (Thomas), and Victor (Brenda).  Dorothy’s legacy also lives on in her four grandchildren: Lisa (Chris), Robert (Jessica), Jami (Antoine), and Ryan (Alyssa), her two step-grandchildren: Joey and Michael, and her great-grandchildren: Christopher, Sailor, Sofia, Enzo, and Coco, all of whom brought her endless pride and joy.

Dorothy’s passing was sudden, but her life was full, rich, meaningful, and purposeful.  As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, neighbor, devoted believer in God, and her unwavering love for her family, she touched and helped so many people’s lives in so many ways that her memory will live in our hearts forever.  She was a role model for what being a good person is all about.  She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and an enduring legacy of faith, love, warmth, tradition, and strength.  She will be truly missed by her family and all whose lives she touched.