Dionne Joy Maxine Sherly D'Arrigo

In memory of Dionne Joy Maxine Sherly D'Arrigo, a loving wife, sister, and friend, who passed away on March 18, 2024. A Staten Island resident, Dionne was an executive board member for the NAACP Staten Island chapter and Local 372 NYC Board of Education Employees. For 13 years, she worked as a school lunch employee for the New York City Department of Education Public Schools, with her latest and final position at Tottenville High School in Staten Island, NY.  

Dionne expressed her faith through her volunteer activities in her church and community. As a member of  Our Lady of Good Counsel, she served as a eucharistic minister, assisting the priest in administering the elements of Holy Communion, the consecrated bread and wine. She also took the sacrament to those who are ill, residents in nursing homes or those otherwise unable to attend church service. In addition, she served as a linen lady, a member of the cooking group, assisted others with mass intention cards for their beloved family and friends, and was a member of the friends of St Augustine.

Within her community, she served on the executive committee for the NAACP Staten Island chapter for over 10 years and attended delegations in Albany and conferences in Detroit and Chicago. In 2019, with the Staten Island delegation, Dionne attended a meeting with Charles D. Fall, Assemblyman 61st District for Richmond County. In a dialogue she addressed issues including helping emotional distress children in our schools, creating a greater access to voting, as well as, ensuring the upcoming census was carried out fairly and with accurate representation of minorities. Through her involvement, Dionne continued the NAACP’s long tradition of citizen advocates who have worked together to create a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

Her volunteerism continued as a chapter chair for Local 372. From attending executive board meetings to legislative conferences in Washington DC, she was an advocate for nutritious school food programs and safe working conditions for fellow school employees. She was also active in the Women’s Committee and the scholarship fund (her “baby”, as she affectionately called it), helping to raise thousands of dollars to give scholarships to children of members who are pursuing college degrees. Upon her retirement in June of 2023, she continued to attend sponsored events.

With her battle with a congenital heart defect, she showed her courage in facing life challenges through her boundless zest for life, her incredible sense of humor and a "ready for battle" attitude. She cared so deeply for the people around her and befriended all she met - her neighbors, her doctors, co-workers, and even politicians. She was so kind and passionate and would greet you with the biggest hug.

She was predeceased by her adored mother Loris Clarke and cherished husband Dominic D’Arrigo. Left to forever cherish her memories are her (sister) Camille, (nephew) Aiden, and (brother-in-law) Kamau in Atlanta; (cousins) Suzette Bell-Butler and Bryan Lemon in Maryland and a host of loving cousins in Jamaica and England. Greatly missed and remembered by her lifelong friends Rev. Deacon Novella Lawrence in Staten Island, Arlene Singer in Brooklyn and enduring and loving friends who became her extended family.

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