Theresa Magno DiBari

LOWVILLE-It is with deep love and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Theresa Magno DiBari, a remarkable Italian matriarch whose greatest joy in life was gathering her loved ones around the table. A devout Catholic woman, Theresa poured her heart into her legendary Sunday sauce and meatballs, which were always served with an abundance of love, laughter, and a side of red wine.

Theresa was born in Brooklyn, NY, on September 24, 1934, to James Vincenzo Sgro and Mary DeAndalfo. On April 24, 1954, she married Thomas J. Magno, and together they raised five children. Thomas passed away on November 6, 1992. She later found love again and married Thomas A. DiBari on May 20, 2000. They shared many happy years together until his death on September 23, 2021. Following his passing, Theresa moved to Lowville, NY, to live with her daughter and son-in-law, where she spent the remainder of her life surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Throughout her life, Theresa worked in various roles, but her favorite job was being a grandmother. Those who knew her will always remember her beautiful smile, her sharp sense of humor, her gift of gab, and her contagious laugh. She never missed an opportunity to make her grandchildren feel cherished, often slipping them a crisp $100 bill with a wink. Although Alzheimer’s disease progressively fogged her mind, she shared a very special bond with her great-grandchildren: Jordin, Addison, Connor, Henrik, Sage, Alexander, Elowyn, Ashton, and Kaya. They always knew how to lift the fog, bringing out her playfulness and laughter. As her illness advanced, she would babble with the babies, and onlookers would swear they were having complete conversations.

Theresa was able to fulfill her wish of remaining at home thanks to the deep commitment, sacrifices, and loving care given by her daughter, Maryann, and her son-in-law, Stephen, who lived by the daily mantra, “There will come a day I cannot do this; today is not that day.” Maryann and Stephen are incredibly grateful to their own children and families, whose unwavering help and support made this care possible.

She is survived by her children: Brian (Judy) Magno of Coram, NY; Maryann (Stephen) Vargulick of Lowville, NY; and Paul Magno of Deer Park, NY. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Pam Magno (Dan Nilo), Alexandra Magno, Stephen Magno, Marcus Magno, Dylan Magno, Sonya (Alex) Dunn, Jenelle (Donny) Longo, Eric (Victoria) Vargulick, and Serena (Owen) Bizik; her brother, Philip Anzalone; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Her niece Margaret and her childhood friend Emily always held a special place in her heart.

Theresa was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas J. Magno; her second husband, Thomas A. DiBari; her parents; her sister, Vivian Mackinnon and many beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

She is also survived by 2 estranged sons, by their choice, Greg and Thomas Magno.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Lowville, with Rev. Sony G. Pulickal, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday June 13, 2026 at St. Charles Cemetery, East Farmindale, NY.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 5457 Shady Ave., Lowville, NY 13367 or St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 38, Croghan, NY 13327.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.