Nancy Risbano

Nancy Risbano (née La Martina), 81, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her family. She experienced a gradual decline in health after a fall two years prior. She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonino (Anthony) and Giuseppina (Josephine) La Martina, and her beloved husband of 53 years, George Risbano. Born in Polizzi Generosa, Sicily, Nancy emigrated to the United States at age six with her father, joining her mother and siblings who had arrived in New York one year earlier. She later became an American citizen at the age of 25. Her childhood included frequent moves throughout Brooklyn and later Queens, as her father relocated the family often and sometimes with little notice. After meeting George, she settled in Yonkers, New York, and later in Sarasota, Florida, where together they built a life centered on family, loyalty, and perseverance. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother who had a remarkable presence. She is survived by her children, Dr. Michael Risbano (Joan), Jaime Hernandez, and Jessica Kostenchuk (Brad); grandchildren, Paxton and Cole Risbano; Logan Barcelo; Jake, Derek, and Coyote Kostenchuk; siblings, Michael La Martina (Rosie) and Domenica (Mae) Macaluso; sisters-in-law, Joanne (Len) Sarver and Barbara (Justin) Tubiolo; and her nieces and nephews, Joanne, Lisa, Anthony, Debbie, Theresa, Anthony, Jordan, David, Jodi, Joshua, and Joseph, along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, and loved ones. Nancy's loyal dog Lucy also held a special place in her heart. Nancy expressed love through cooking, preparing Italian meals she fondly called "Sicilian peasant food." She never met a potato she did not like. Nancy's kitchen brought friends and family together, creating a place of warmth, laughter and delicious food. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and had a distinct sense of humor. Many things she said became part of the family lexicon, remembered and repeated often, continuing to bring laughter long after they were first spoken. She could talk with anyone she met. Strong, independent, and spirited, she was deeply devoted to George and was his constant companion and caregiver throughout their marriage. Nancy's influence will continue to be felt across generations. She will be remembered as the matriarch of her family, a steady presence whose strength, humor, generosity, and traditions shaped the lives around her. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, July 25th at St. Joseph's Church in Bronxville, New York, a meaningful place connected to her family's early life together. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/ or The Italian Garden Project https://www.theitaliangardenproject.com Professional services entrusted to Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238; www.thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com

Nancy Risbano

August 18, 1944 - April 5, 2026