Gloria Heitzman Cichon

West Albany - Gloria Heitzman Cichon, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on June 22, 2016 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. The daughter of the late Fred "Homer" and Ida (Atkins) Heitzman, Gloria was born on October 2, 1931 in Albany, NY. Gloria will always be remembered for her exuberant personality and her zest for life. She attended Albany High School and graduated in 1949. Gloria and Bob Cichon were united in marriage on May 15, 1955. In the 1950's Gloria worked for Equitable Life Insurance Company. She was a lifetime communicant of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Albany.
Gloria was the proprietor of Aunt Gloria's Antiques in Camelot Village in Bennington, Vermont and was an avid antique dealer/collector with a specialization in Hull pottery. Following the birth of her son David, Gloria became a strong advocate for the developmentally disabled. She was an integral part of the selection process for a new director for the Department of OMRDD in the 1980's. Gloria was actively involved in many clubs and organizations over the years, including being a den leader for the Cub Scouts, Secretary for the Albany High Class of 1949 reunion committee, and a member of both the "Altamont Squares" square dance club and the West Albany School PTA. She enjoyed her flower gardens, and playing competitive scrabble and card games with her family. Gloria's passion later in life was her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Gloria is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert F. Cichon; her children: Linda C. (Michael P.) Storonsky, Russell V. Cichon, Douglas P. (Paula) Cichon; her grandchildren: Jesse T. Parent, Michael C. Storonsky, MD, Natasha C. Storonsky, M.A., Ed.M., NCSP and Taylor Anne Cichon; her brother, Raymond Heitzman and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to her parents, Gloria was predeceased by her son David Cichon and her brother Warren Heitzman.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7pm on Saturday, June 25 at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, June 27 at St. John's Chapel, 303 Sand Creek Road, Colonie. Burial will follow in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Colonie.
Gloria's family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of St. Peter's Hospital ICU for their compassionate and loving care.
Those who wish may make contributions to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 160 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206.