Bernadette Vicki, “Bernie” by her friends and loved ones, passed away at LGH hospital on the evening of Jan. 20, 2026, at the age of 76 years old.
Bernie was born in Manhattan, NY, on Oct. 15, 1949, to Arthur “Otto” Cafaro and Josephine “Jay” (Mussomeli) Cafaro. The oldest of three siblings, she grew up alongside her sister, Mary, her brothers, Arthur and Michael, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Washington Heights area of NYC. In 1971, due to the insistence of her friend Agnes, she started to write to Steven Vicki, a friend of Agnes’, who had enlisted in the Army. In 1973, the two were married and have been inseparable ever since.
Born to teach, she shone in the classroom. Bernie started her 30+ education career in Tappen Zee School District, where she taught social studies for several years, before transferring to Nyack High School in Nyack, NY, finally finding her home. A National Board Teacher, educating was the backbone of almost everything she did, whether that was teaching the students in her classroom, mentoring younger colleagues or student teachers, educating fellow teachers on the art of teaching, directing the Children’s Choir at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Nanuet, NY, or helping her grandchildren through their studies, she loved to educate.
Bernie was a truth teller, always. She had a love for history (especially colonial American history), reading, puzzles, theater, word puzzles, singing and music, old movies, political conversation, but above all else, her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she had shown her support, always and fervently.
Bernadette Vicki is survived by her husband of 53 years, Steven Vicki; daughters, Lori Ann Nau, wife of Tony Nau, and Suzanne Nelson, wife of Jon Nelson; grandchildren, Serrah Nau, Rebecca Nau, David Nau, and Emily Nelson; sister, Mary Loeser; brothers, Arthur Cafaro and Michael Cafaro; their families; many cousins; and an aunt, whom she loved very much.
Bernie will be loved, cherished, and missed always. A small gathering of family will be held in memory of Bernie at a later date. Those desiring may send contributions in Bernie’s name to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
