December 15, 1950 – March 2, 2024
Diann Cupertino of Fayetteville, GA was born in the Bronx, New York to Charlie and Lorraine Ritter on December 15, 1950. Diann spent her childhood and early married life in Edgewater Park in the Bronx, New York where her children were born. The family moved to Long Island, New York for a few years, before relocating to Peachtree City, Georgia in 1983.
Diann began her professional career in advertising sales in 1984, where she worked for almost the next four decades. She was employed by several local and regional newspapers in the area, most notably at This Week in Peachtree City / The Fayette County News and The Citizen Newspaper / Fayette Women Magazine.
Diann was one of the very first employees at The Citizen in 1993 and remained there until she retired in 2020. She was respected by her coworkers, who considered Diann a mentor and friend.
During her time in marketing and advertising, Diann helped hundreds of businesses to grow and expand their reach. She was a consummate professional and an annoyingly frequent top-salesperson. She had a strong work ethic with an honest and forthright style that endeared Diann to her customers, and she considered many of her long-time customers her friends.
Diann was also involved in giving back to her local community. She was an active member of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church. For several years prior to her cancer diagnosis, she volunteered her time on the “O Christmas Tea” committee with the Business Women of Fayette and Coweta, raising funds for the victims of domestic violence.
One of Diann’s personal missions was to help women who had been impacted by divorce. She would consult with women who were struggling emotionally and financially, including networking with her business contacts to provide assistance, so these women could reclaim their lives as strong independent women.
Diann’s favorite pastime was travel. She was happiest on a cruise ship, visiting beaches, dancing, gambling, and enjoying life. She also loved playing board games and card games with family and friends. Although the games were friendly, Diann was extremely competitive and especially enjoyed “beating the pants off” her adult children.
Diann is survived by her children, Lori Papp (husband Adam), most recently of Luxembourg in Europe and Dan Cupertino (wife Allison) of Fayetteville, GA; her beloved grandchildren Cassandra and Ember Papp, and Sofia and Echo Cupertino; Diann’s younger sister, Marjorie Hooks; and loving extended family.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Mowell Funeral Home at 180 N. Jeff Davis Dr. in Fayetteville, GA.
