Florence (Borgia) Risley, 96, of Deerfield, passed away peacefully in the arms of Jesus on May 11, 2026 at the Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY.

     Florence Marie Borgia was born on November 9, 1929 in Utica, NY, daughter of Riccardo and Vincenza (Vella) Borgia, immigrants from Siracusa, Sicily.  She grew up in East Utica with three brothers and two sisters. They were a close family, very proud of their Italian heritage. Family was of highest importance, evident by big gatherings always celebrated with lots of fantastic food. She had a strong catholic faith and was a loyal parishioner of St Peter’s Church in North Utica.

     Florence was a graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School, class of 1948.  She was an active member in Future Registered Nurses, Dramatics Club, Commercial Club, Girls Athletic Council, and was the Vice President of French Club. She played on the girls softball and bowling teams.  Her love of bowling continued on into her adult years joining a league at the Pin-O-Rama bowling alley resulting in longtime friendships and many trophies! 

     Florence met the love of her life, Ralph Risley, in 1954 at Utica Drop Forge Corporation (later became Kelsey Hayes Company).  They worked together in the cost accounting department; it was love at first sight!! On May 21, 1955 they were united in marriage at the Historic Old St. John’s Church in Utica. They had a happy, blessed union of nearly 68 years!  Their proudest accomplishments were raising their six beautiful children, and sixteen beloved grandchildren.  

     Florence proudly reflects on raising their children while Ralph pursued a college education and excelled his career through various positions at Kelsey Hayes Company up to President and General Manager.  Florence entered the workforce when their youngest child entered elementary school.   Florence worked at Steinbach Department store as the Office Manager which resulted in lifelong friendships with Marsha Kukowski, Eleanor Moskal and Pat Lindsey…which she truly cherished. 

     Some of her favorite things to do were attending grandchildren's music, sports and dance recitals.  She loved hosting big family dinners, harvesting their abundant vegetable garden, playing cards with her siblings, taking family vacations and traveling with Ralph which always included a casino visit.  They enjoyed their senior years gambling and having dinner at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona NY.  She relaxed with her favorite TV game shows; Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, The Wall and Press Your Luck.  She enjoyed keeping in touch with her friends through long phone calls and lunch dates. 

     Her children and grandchildren hold fond memories of her beautiful singing, loving hugs, being rocked in her arms and always nursed back to health when they were sick.  They all have a strong sense of family from GrandMother.  They loved learning how to cook and enjoyed the big family dinners; she made birthdays and holidays special. They have delicious memories of macaroni and meatballs in sauce, swiss chard, pole beans and Italian cookies!!  She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and let everyone know it!  

     Surviving are her beloved children, their spouses, and her grandchildren: Tracie Brennan, D.Min and Jamie Brennan and their daughter Jennifer Brennan; Eric and Rhonda Risley and their children Alexandra Risley, Eric Risley Jr. Esq., Jarrod Risley, and Christina Risley; Margot and Michael Ashcroft and their children Bradley Ashcroft, M.D., Craig Ashcroft, M.D. and Andrea Ashcroft; Tammy and Brian Frazier and their daughters Erin Frazier and Leah Frazier; and Glenn and Holly Risley and their children Natalie Risley and Austin Risley; as well as former son-in-law John Siriani, his wife Anne and their family Kristen Siriani, Justin Perry, Lauren Siriani, and Mark Siriani. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews who considered her the family matriarch.  They loved and admired Aunt Florence who nurtured and loved each of them dearly. 

     Florence was predeceased by her loving husband Ralph, their daughter and granddaughter, Heidi and Elizabeth Siriani; her parents; and her siblings and their spouses: Harry (Edna) Borgia and their daughter Linda (Jack) Cummins, Carm (Bernie) Lockwood and their daughter Lori Bachelor, Gloria Borgia, Tom (Rose) Borgia and Joe (Joan) Borgia. 

     The family thanks the care team at Wynn Hospital and their heartfelt gratitude to Sitrin Health Care Center, especially the dedicated staff of Chestnut House.  The family thanks MVHS Taylor Unser, FNP for providing trusted, loving care over many years.

     Mrs. Risley’s funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM at St. Peter’s Church in North Utica. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00-11:30 AM at Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, North Utica. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Utica immediately following the mass.

     The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Tennessee 38105 in memory of Florence Risley due to many years of her support of that charity. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.