Kathryn R. (Ryan) D'Orazio

Kathryn (Kay) R. D'Orazio (nee Ryan), 95, of Del Haven, NJ, former long-time resident of Upper Darby, PA, passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 18, 2025. Kay was born in Shamokin to the late Mary and Edward Ryan. 

She was the beloved wife of the late Romeo D’Orazio; mother of the late Karen (Jeffrey) Flower, Patricia (the late Gary) Schnell, Michael (Maryclaire), and Stephen (Christine) D'Orazio; grandmother of Michael (Janine), Lisa (James), Christopher, Timothy (Lauren), Olivia, Julia, and Jessica; and great-grandmother of Delaney, Viviana, Aubrey, Luciano, Carly, and TJ.

Kay was the heart and soul of her family, and she took pride and pleasure in making the most of her time with her loved ones. She was a devoted and cherished wife to her Romeo, and for much of their 70-year marriage, after moving away from Upper Darby, they lived most of the year in New Jersey then spent the winters in Kissimmee, FL. For many years, she was an avid collector of Hummel figurines, and she could share the story behind every piece.

Kay was an avid reader and loved being outside and working in her garden. She could frequently be found sitting out back with a book and a cup of coffee. The “texting queen” was also quite tech savvy and was texting family members and friends just days before she passed away. 

Kay’s warm, caring nature, her sharp wit, and her open heart drew people to her. Her family and friends brought her so much joy—whether making monkey bread with her grandchildren, taking trips with her daughters and friends, laughing with her sons, or sharing stories with her great-grandchildren. She simply adored being a mom, grandmom and Gigi to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her family absolutely adored her right back.  

Kay was a member of St. John Neumann Parish, formerly St. Raymond Parish, and St. Alice Church. She was also a member of the Federation of Senior Citizens, the Sons of Italy Club, and North Cape May Seniors. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 21 at Sacred Heart Church, 316 E. Broadway Ave., Clifton Heights, PA 19018. Burial private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sacred Heart Memorial Fund, 316 E. Broadway Ave., Clifton Heights, PA 19018.

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