Diane K. Gentile

With deep sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Diane K. Gentile during the night of April 5, 2025. Born on August 24, 1951 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Diane was the fifth of seven children born to her parents the late James Monroe and Winifred Arletta Williams Soden. She is predeceased by her oldest sister, Bonnie, who passed away at 3 months of age. Diane is survived by her husband, Daniel J. Gentile. Together they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary on April12th. She is also survived by her only son Matthew D. Gentile, her adoring granddaughter Annalise, and her loveable grandpup, Georgie, of the home, along with her siblings Ronald Soden, Thompson, PA, Douglas (Nancy) Soden, Rome, PA, Carol Hamilton, Wylie, TX, Penny Lombardi, Denton TX, and Karen (John) Bienick, Waymart, PA, brother-in-law Robert (Suzanne) Gentile, Kirkwood, NY a host of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

Diane was raised in the country where her parents were farmhands doing a variety of jobs to make ends meet for their growing family. They instilled in each of their children a strong work ethic and the use of one’s creativity and talent to be their success in life. As a result, Diane was a proficient cook making delicious dishes and baked goods that would rival any restaurant or bakery chef. It was also at a young age where her mother taught her to sew. This basic instruction had her develop her skills as a seamstress, making all her clothes, gifts, and even costumes for various dance recitals within the Capital area and outside NY State. It is no surprise she was a proud member and past president of the Albany NY Chapter of the American Sewing Guild, incorporating vacations into their annual conferences across the United States.

After graduating from Mountainview High School in Kingsley, PA in 1969, Diane went on to graduate from Lackawanna Jr. College in Scranton, PA and later on to Broome Community College (SUNY Broome) in Binghamton, NY where she graduated Cum Laude earning an Associate Degree in paralegal studies, a new degree program at that time. While going to night school and working in various law firms in Binghamton as a secretary, she was able to move into the role of a paralegal secretary upon graduation. It was during this time that she met her beloved Danny who would become her husband in 1975. In 1984 Matthew completed their family of three. Following Danny to the Albany area with his job, they settled in Latham where she continued to work as a paralegal secretary at area law firms. While there she was the President of the Albany County Association of Legal Secretaries.

Unexpectedly, after many tests, Diane was diagnosed with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 1994. Throughout the next 30 years, Diane worked diligently with a number of doctors and therapists to lessen the effects this debilitating disease was having on her. Never did it rob her of her spirit and determination to live a full life. She enjoyed traveling, attending her high school reunions, weddings, and numerous sewing conferences across the country using a scooter to get around indoor and outdoor venues. In 2016 she even attended a conference in Indianapolis in between chemo treatments and thus can add Cancer Survivor to her list of accomplishments. The introduction of a new therapy, treatment, or the addition of an assistive device significantly extended her mobility. Without a doubt, the talent, optimism, and perseverance of this remarkable woman will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16 from 3-6 pm followed by a prayer service at Cannon Funeral Home 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY. Graveside service will be held at 12 Noon, Thursday, April 17 at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. Donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891 or the charity of one’s choice.