Agnes T. (Spaziani) Tomaino

Mrs. Agnes T. (Spaziani) Tomaino, age 96, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2012 with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on June 9, 1916, Agnes was the daughter of the late John and Victoria (Olite) Spaziani. Raised and educated locally, she attended Utica Free Academy. On May 22, 1937 she married Peter S. Tomaino with whom she shared 69 years prior to his passing on December 8, 2006; they cherished the blessings of family life and made each other happy during their lifetime together. In her earlier years, Agnes held a position for 10 years at the iconic J.B. Wells Department Store located in the former Boston Store in downtown Utica. As the matriarch of her family, she celebrated life with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She thought of her family as the center of her life and the seed of her happiness. She was a devoted person who selflessly endeared herself in all of her relationships. Because she was such a wonderful cook and canner of homegrown fruits and vegetables, Thanksgiving and Christmas brought her the most joy, because it was a time to gather her loved ones around the table to partake of the peace and plenty of the seasons. During her spare time she loved to create intricate handmade afghans that she shared with friends and family. Springtime flower gardening brought much joy to her and adorned her home of 69 years on Laura Street. She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Agnes is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Ernest M. “Ernie” Pelli, Sr. of Little Falls. Always cherished in her heart was the memory of her son, Saverio “Buzz” Tomaino, who passed away on November 23, 1986. She also leaves her grandchildren, Ernest M., Jr. and Denise Pelli, Eric S. and Carolyn Pelli, and Kara and James Korfonta who shared a special relationship and their home with their grandmother during the last four years; and her great-grandchildren, twins Matthew and Clare, Stephen and Teresa, Melina, and Tristan. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws Thada Spaziani of FL, Phyllis Tomaino of CO, and Joseph Tomaino of Utica. She was predeceased by her brother, John T. Spaziani; her sisters and brother-in-law, Marie Fraccola, and Violet J. and Joseph A. “Toots” Talerico; her friend, Theresa M. DiPerna; and her in-laws, Ida A. Tomaino, and John Tomaino. The family is grateful to Dr. Betro Shkane, the Visiting Nurse Association, and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., for their dedication and expertise in caring for Agnes. Visitation will be held Monday from 12:00-1:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, or the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Agnes’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday at 1:30 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Joseph Salerno officiating the ceremony. Committal prayers and Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Agnes T. (Spaziani) Tomaino

June 9, 1916 - August 23, 2012