Alfia Frieda Vaccaro, 86, recently of Tarrytown and formerly of Pound Ridge and Hartsdale, passed away on July 6, 2015. Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late John and Carmela Vecchio Pavone. Alfia graduated from Queens College with two master's degrees. She was a teacher for the New York City public schools for many years. She was one of the first teachers that started the special education programs in the New York City schools. Alfia strongly believed in education and always taught us to strive for one's best. On December 26, 1959, she married her sweetheart Anthony Joseph Vaccaro at St. Rita's Roman Catholic Church in Long Island City. They settled in Hartsdale and raised their family. Alfia lived in Hartsdale for over 30 years. She then moved to Pound Ridge with her daughter before recently moving to Tarrytown. Alfia had a passion for traveling and encouraged people to do the same. She was a very courageous, positive, and compassionate person. She had a deep, abiding faith and was devoted to Saint Therese of Lisieux, The Little Flower. Alfia had an enthusiastic outlook on life and enjoyed it to the fullest. She loved spending time with her family and most of all with her cherished grandchildren. Alfia is survived by her husband of 55 years Anthony Joseph, daughter Beatrice, son Anthony Alicia and grandchildren Cara, Camille, Anthony, Emma and Caleb. She is also survived by her brothers Salvatore and John Pavone and many nieces and nephews. Alfia was predeceased by her siblings Mary, Victor, Thomas and Patrick. For anyone interested in making a donation in lieu of flowers, the family suggests the Susan G. Komen Foundation info-komen.org Mass of the Resurrection 10am Friday, Sacred Heart Church, 10 Lawton Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530. Visiting 2-4 and 7-9pm Thursday Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522. Edwardsanddowdle.com