Cynthia Kathryn Aiello

Cynthia Kathryn Aiello passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at home surrounded by the love of all of her family.

Cyndi loved her family so immensely, and her love continued to shine so brightly. It was an honor for her to have her husband, daughters, son in laws, grandchildren, sisters, sisters and brothers in-laws, nieces, nephews, and godchildren in her presence in the last days. She delighted in and treasured the visits from many special friends and students.

Cyndi was born on April 8, 1954, to Joseph and Dorothy Medvid. She had a caring soul and a heart of gold. She was doted on by her two sisters, Marlane and Donna. Cyndi attended St. Agatha grade school and Bishop Canevin High School. Her Catholic education led her to Erie, PA where she attended Gannon University to study Secondary Education and English. Cyndi met the love of her life, Gennaro Aiello, at Gannon. They were married on September 20th, 1975 and would celebrate 50 years next month. Together, they welcomed two daughters into the world, Erin and Katy. Her daughters were her greatest gifts. Cyndi was the proudest Grammy to four grandchildren, Italia Vittoria, Isabel Josephina, Rocco Gennaro, and Henry Aiello. She built the most special bond with her grandchildren which they will forever hold in their hearts.

Cyndi was an avid reader and writer. Books and journals were always nearby, in her home and eventually a part of her classroom. She started her 30-year teaching career at Ridgway Area High School teaching English and Creative Writing. Her love of writing and theater allowed her the opportunity to share this gift with so many students. She developed the Creative Writing Curriculum where she and her beloved students wrote and produced many high school dinner theaters which they starred in.

Cyndi put her faith at the forefront of everything she did. She was humble and kind. The Cursillo movement had a profound impact on her life, and she wanted others to have this experience. Cyndi made it her mission to bring others together in a special way where they could celebrate the power of God’s love. She put her heart into this and helped to pave the way for so many.

Cyndi is survived by her beloved husband, Gennaro Aiello, and their daughters: Erin (Aiello) Cicione and her husband David Cicione, Katy (Aiello) Hershock and her husband Kevin Hershock, and her grandchildren, Italia, Isabel, and Rocco Cicione, and Henry Hershock. She leaves behind a broken-hearted, supportive group of relatives which includes sisters, sisters and brothers in-laws, nieces, nephews, godchildren and an amazing group of friends and prayer warriors.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Cynthia Kathryn Aiello will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Boniface Church, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA, 15846, with Fr. Paul S. Siebert officiating.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, Pa 15853, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Elk County Community Foundation, Cynthia Aiello Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com