Mrs. Angeline "Lena" (Martello) Cuchiarale

FRANKFORT - Mrs. Angeline “Lena” (Martello) Cuchiarale, age 101, peacefully passed away after a wonderful and fulfilling life, on Sunday, August 21, 2022. She was surrounded by those who loved her most. Born in Utica on August 3, 1921, Angeline was the daughter of the late Anthony and Rita (Locorotundo) Martello. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On May 18, 1946 she married Rocco A. Cuchiarale with whom she shared the perfect love story for over 76 years. She was a devoted wife who took pride in caring for her husband and filled her home with love. A woman of many talents, Lena was a gifted seamstress, having learned the art from her mother. Her repertoire included many wedding gowns and impeccable clothing and accessories. She herself was an elegant vision and she maintained her dignity and beauty twenty-four hours a day. She always looked flawless to the very end of her days. Lena kept a meticulous home with adornments that were of her own creation. Additionally, she had a passion for cooking and was artful and tasteful in her presentation of any meal. Christmas Eve was a magnificent and sacred night. She honored the traditions of her Italian heritage and had boundless energy. She always seemed to make her hospitality look effortless. If you looked about her home, you knew she had a watchful eye for its beauty. Lena was sociable and personable, and if you were blessed to call her your friend you knew that the secrets in your heart were in her confidence. Lena was progressive, and as a mother she ensured that her daughter would mature into a woman who could readily face the world with sensitivity and integrity. They were truly each other’s best friend. When Lena needed Rita to care for her, she did so with a lifetime of deserved respect. Her legacy is that she was a graceful, courageous warrior, who lived through so much during her 101 years, and did so with style. She was a woman of faith who had a reverence for her Catholic creed and a personal relationship with her Lord. She honored the Blessed Mother and knew that Our Lady watched over her so many times during her life. She also held a deep devotion to Sts. Cosmos and Damian. Lena never missed their feast day of the Kossuth Avenue chapel. Lena is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Rocco; and her doting daughter, Rita Ann Rotundo. She was preceded by her son-in-law, Ret. Police Chief Benny D. Rotundo/UPD; many nieces, especially Janine Julian; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and sister-in-law, Carmella Grande-Etergineoso. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Carmela and Anthony Paulino Sr., and Dorothy M. and Guy Joseph “Frank” Julian; her in-laws, Philomena and Harold MacCrea, Nicholas and Dorothy Cucharale, Joseph and Florence Cucharale, Mary and Nicholas Pepperine, Rose and Peter Levito, Henry “Cutter” and Mary Ann Cuchiarale, Angelo Grande, and Anthony Etergineoso; nephews, John J. Julian, and Anthony Paulino, Jr., and Joseph F. Sr. and MaryEllen Cucharale; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Maria (Pandolf) Cuchiarale. The family extends their sincere appreciation to Dr. Leo Sullivan, Dr. Francis Constantine, Dr. Ramzi Nassif, Dr. Sushma Kaul, and the nurses and staff at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center CU-ICU for their compassionate care, as well as to those at the Amherst Household at the Masonic Care Community of NY who provided kindness and love to Lena and her family. Lena’s loved ones will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lena’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish (Lourdes Campus) 2222 Genesee St., where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the Mass. The family is offering the convenience for those who cannot attend to view the livestream via https://youtube.com/c/JoeSalernoOLOL. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a contribution to the Addolorata Society Prayer Garden C/O Angie Caiola, President, 3802 Southside Road, Frankfort, NY 13340; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Angeline "Lena" (Martello) Cuchiarale

August 3, 1921 - August 21, 2022