Mrs. Alice (Lewis) Gigliotti

Mrs. Alice (Lewis) Gigliotti, age 84, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the Abraham House with her loving family at her side. She passed away on her 65th wedding anniversary with dignity, courage, and grace. Born in Charlotte, Vermont on November 25, 1931, Alice was the daughter of the late Hubert and Illa (Whalley) Lewis. Raised and educated in Charlotte, Alice came to Utica at the age of 18 to live with her sister. On July 14, 1951 she married Rocco S. Gigliotti. She was a good wife, a wonderful caregiver, who watched over her family with motherly instinct. During her younger years, Alice worked at General Electric at the Bleecker St. location as an assembler until her children were born. In 1970, after raising her family, she returned to the workforce and a position at Star’s Department Store on Champlin Avenue where she was responsible for and organized the Men’s Department. She then accepted a position at the Lutheran Home in the Dietary Department, retiring in 1985. She was a valued employee with an eye for detail, and she enjoyed being of assistance to others. Alice was a very kind, and private soul. She was congenial and polite with energy to spare. She was also an independent spirit. She portrayed a positive self image and many admired her vibrant appearance and optimism. Although Alice was reserved, she had a fun side that was memorable. She loved to dance, especially the Polka. An active mom, she bowled, played badminton, bicycled, roller skated, and ice skated with her children. In years past, she enjoyed going to the movies at the Rialto Theater with her mother-in-law and daughter. She also enjoyed playing Bingo at Turning Stone as well as local halls. A parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, Alice followed her faith for strength and guidance. To her Lord, she was most thankful for the blessing of her children and her adored grandchildren. Alice is survived by her husband, Rocky; her children and their loves, Kathleen Niemenski of Utica, Susan and Bruce Harrison of Oneonta and Frank Gigliotti and his partner, David Schaitberger of San Francisco; and her grandchildren, Daniel Gigliotti and his wife Christina; Caitlin Smith, and Allison Smith. She will also remain in the hearts of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her sisters, Dorothy, Ruth, Cora, and Mary; her brother, Hugh “Cowboy”; and her in-laws, Frank and Antonette (DiCrisci-Abbate) Gigliotti. The family extends their thanks to Dr. Prabhat Ahluwalia and Dr. Rupen Baxi who were outstanding and compassionate in caring for Alice; the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially the 4th Floor for their superior care; the members of the Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. team, especially Mary Ellen, Georgia, and Justin for their empathy and vigilance; and the personnel at the Abraham House who accommodated Alice with a nurturing, loving environment; they were gentle souls who provided a peaceful presence, especially Barb and Cathy. Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00-4:00 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 the Abraham House in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Alice’s funeral service and Celebration of Life 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. Committal prayers and Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mrs. Alice (Lewis) Gigliotti

November 25, 1931 - July 14, 2016