Diane Ricci Halpin entered into rest on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. She was born on February 20, 1953 in Rome and lived in the Rome-Oriskany area for many years until moving to Georgia in 2002. The daughter of Grace Mastracco Ricci of Rome, Diane was predeceased by her father Anthony Ricci.

Diane married James Halpin, Sr. in 1973. Her memory will be forever treasured by her husband Jim, sons, James Halpin, Jr. (Byron, GA) and Robert Halpin (Boston), daughter-in-law, Krista Halpin, and her cherished grandchildren, Victoria, Isabella and Alec Halpin, (all of Byron). Diane also leaves behind her brother, Anthony and Jane Ricci, sister, Patti and Richard Falzarano, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Darlene (Gerald) Monette, Joan (Anthony) Betrus, Rae Halpin, Roberta and Anthony Terzini, Robert Halpin of AK, Charles and Diane Halpin, Willliam and Mary Halpin, John and Chris Halpin (KS) and David and Jan Halpin, along with many nieces and nephews generally in the Utica-Rome area.

Diane formerly worked as an accountant for DFAS and several area bookstores where her love of reading was fulfilled. She enjoyed a good passionate discussion on most any subject, had a contagious laugh and loved cooking for her family and friends. Diane absolutely adored her grandchildren and will be sincerely missed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We were friends since First Grade....maybe even Kindergarten.  We always were seated next to each other due to our last names being alphabetically close.  She was my church school partner and we would hold hands on the walk from Columbus to that little old church on 4th Street (or was it Mohawk Street -- I can never remember this stuff!).  Her smile and laugh were contagious and we got into trouble on a number of occasions for talking too much.  She was the type of friend that always made you feel at ease. - Susan Spadafora