Sharon Anne Riddell

FRANKFORT – Sharon Anne Riddell, age 62, died on March 12, 2024, after succumbing to the effects of a brain aneurysm. Her passing occurred with her dedicated and loving children by her side.

Born on September 2, 1961, Sharon is the daughter of Margaret (Carr) Riddell and the late Richard A. Riddell, who welcomed her home to Heaven with open arms. She was raised and educated locally and graduated with the Ilion High School Class of 1979. At one time she shared a marriage with Paul Palumbo, a relationship from which came the blessings of their children.

In her earlier years, Sharon’s primary focus was on being a mother and raising her children and she was blessed to be able to stay home with them until they were teenagers. Her greatest joys in life came from the accomplishments of Ryan and Sarah and she never missed a milestone in their lives. Sharon was always their biggest fan and most avid supporter.

When her children were grown, Sharon went to work for what is now the Central Valley School District. For seventeen years, she was a Teacher’s Aide and through her position was able to share her motherly love and support with the countless children with whom she worked. She also formed lasting bonds and friendships amongst her co-workers.

Faith played a large role throughout Sharon’s life, and she leaned on God during trying times to help her through. For many years, she taught religious education at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort.

To her very core, Sharon was nothing less than selfless and giving. She was full of compassion for others and constantly put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. When she did relax and wind down, she enjoyed nothing more than a glass of wine and a day of sunshine by the pool. She loved to curl up with a good book and had a fondness for her pet cats.

Her beautiful smile and outgoing personality will be truly missed by those she leaves behind. Even though her life was cut short, Sharon was able to perform one final act of selflessness on the evening she died, with the donation of her organs. It is her family’s hope that these gifts may restore life and hope for others.

She leaves behind her children, Ryan Palumbo of Syracuse and Sarah Palumbo of Waterville; her mother, Margaret Riddell of Ilion; her brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Suzanne Riddell of Ilion; her nephews and niece, Matthew Riddell of Ilion, Stephen Palumbo of San Diego and Jaclyn Palumbo of San Francisco; her companion for the last five years, Dominick Deon of Frankfort; and her former in-laws, Paul and Mayme Palumbo of Frankfort. She also leaves many co-workers and friends, too numerous to mention.

A special thank you is extended to the Wynn Hospital ICU doctors, nurses and staff for the heartfelt compassion and care shown to Sharon and her family during this difficult time.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Sharon’s calling hours on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Her funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at the funeral home at 6:00 PM, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Her earthly remains will be laid to rest beside her father at Litchfield Cemetery at the convenience of her family.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the Herkimer County Humane Society, PO Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com .