Mrs. Adelene LaBella

Mrs. Adelene (Donaruma) LaBella, age 85, of Utica, passed into God’s hands on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with the love and support of her family by her side. Adelene was born in Utica on February 25, 1927, the daughter of the late Thomas Donaruma and the late Rosella (Ginotti) Gravinia. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On November 29, 1947 she married Rocco D. LaBella with whom she shared nearly 50 years prior to his passing on April 22, 1997; their union was a blessing and source of happiness and heartfelt love for each other. In their younger days, Adelene and Rocco loved to dance. She was an inspiration to her husband, and he often remarked that “She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen”. Adelene worked as a Telephone Operator with the New York Telephone Company. She also served as the Telephone Operator at Utica Free Academy, the position from which she retired. After a time, she came out of retirement and re-entered the workforce as a Telephone Operator for the United States Postal Service/Pitcher Street location. But it was her devotion to her family that was paramount in her life. She put their interests before her own, and in turn, she was held in high regard by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spoiling the children as they were the highlight of her life. She also loved to bake, entertain, and spend time with family and friends. She had a generosity of spirit that stirred all who knew her to feel like family. She enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and playing cards, especially pitch and bridge. She was also an avid NY Yankees fan. Her family marveled at Adelene’s great strength and courage as she battled her physical obstacles with great determination. She was very spiritual and devout to her Catholic creed, was a faithful communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and a member of St. Anne’s Society. Adelene is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Rosemary and Bruno Spataro, and Francine and Victor Spataro, all of Frankfort, and Kathryn A. and Dany-James Miller of NC; her son and daughter-in-law, John Phillip and Mary F. LaBella of Canandaigua, NY; her grandchildren, Lia Rose Spataro, Cara N. Spataro, Rocco Spataro, Vincent Spataro, Deana L. Olivella, Genero J. Olivella, Christian and Amy LaBella, and Michael LaBella; and the cherished memory of her beloved granddaughter, Jacqueline LaBella; and her great-grandchildren, Santino Tubia, Christopher Isom, and Vincent Zajac. In addition, she leaves her sister, Marylyn Cassidy of Utica; her brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Atsuka Donaruma of NJ; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Mamie Rasi of the Masonic Care Community, and many special friends including Al Candido, Angela DiMeo, and Victoria Balzano. She was predeceased by her in-laws Josephine and Michael LaBella, Celeste “Stella” LaBella, Catherine and Michael Paciello, Louis and Matilda LaBella, John “Raymond” Cassidy, Carmella and Octtavio “Tom” Bevilacqua, and Angelo Rasi; her aunt Ida Donaruma who offered her love and guidance; and a very special friend, Anne Candido. The entire LaBella family would like to thank the Masonic Care Community of NY, especially the Albany Neighborhood nurses and staff, Dr. Guy Wilcox, Dr. Florin Olteanu and Dr. Elif Erim, for the wonderful care they all provided Adelene and her loved ones. Adelene’s family will honor and commemorate her life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Adelene’s Funeral Service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Abe Esper. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be considered to Utica Dollars for Scholars to benefit the Rocco and Adelene LaBella Memorial Fund; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Adelene LaBella

February 25, 1927 - September 27, 2012