Vilma Fiori

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Vilma Marie Fiori, who departed this earth peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and a beloved figure in her community, Vilma’s life was a testament to resilience, kindness, and selfless love.

Vilma was born on January 16, 1928, in Cavasso Nuovo, Italy, and immigrated to New York City as a young girl in 1930. She attended Sacred Hearts’ Elementary School until 1941 and graduated from Immaculate High School in 1945. She earned her diploma from Packard Junior College in 1946 and, after beginning her professional career as an administrative assistant at McCrory Stores Corporation in Manhattan, she went on to pursue further studies at Hunter College in 1952.

In 1955, Vilma married the love of her life, John Daniel Fiori. The couple began their life together in Manhattan, later settling in the Bronx, and finally moving to Wyckoff, New Jersey in 1968, where Vilma would reside for over five decades. She became a full-time mother with the birth of her son Kenneth in 1960, followed by Kevin in 1964, embracing motherhood with unwavering devotion.

Vilma was beloved in the Wyckoff community as the “recess and lunchtime lady” aka “mangia mangia lady” at Sicomac Elementary School, where she worked for almost half a century—from 1972 until her retirement in 2020. Her warmth and steady presence left an impression on several generations of children and families.

She was also a devoted sister and aunt, nurturing close relationships and offering boundless support to her extended family.

There was hardly a day when Vilma didn’t run into someone she knew while out and about doing her food “marketing”—she would often return hours later, having stopped for long chats with friends, former students, or neighbors whose lives she had touched.In 2023, Vilma moved to Sunrise Assisted Living in Franklin Lakes, NJ, where she received compassionate care until her passing.

Vilma was predeceased by her loving husband John (2002) and by her parents, Vincenzo and Chiara DiBernardo and sister Alice Gasparini. She is survived by her sons Kenneth and Kevin, daughters-in-law Marjorie and Terri, and her cherished grandchildren: Michael, Daniel, Alexander, Chiara, and Catherine.

Vilma will be remembered for her big heart and the joy she found in the simple blessings of life—family, friendship, and the sound of children’s laughter. Her legacy of love and compassion lives on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Services
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (201-891-3400).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church, 700 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ (201-891-1122), followed by burial at Wyckoff Reformed Church Cemetery, 580 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity of your choice in honor of Vilma’s generous and caring spirit.

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