Mrs. Anna E. (DiFondi) Iannone

Mrs. Anna E. (DiFondi) Iannone, age 91, formerly of Utica, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Sitrin Health Care Center. Born in Utica on May 24, 1924, Anna was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Gemma (Villa) DiFondi. Raised and educated in Utica, she graduated with High Honors from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1942. On July 6, 1946 she married Edward P. Iannone, Sr. They truly lived in the spirit of their wedding vows and dedicated themselves to family life. Their 54-year union was an example to live by. Edward passed away on November 27, 2000. Anna was retired from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company after 20 years of service as an Administrative Assistant to the Claims Adjusters. At home, Anna was a supportive and protective matriarch who valued family traditions and passed them down to her children. She was strong in her convictions and naturally feisty. Anna was not a spectator of life. Her opinions and sass were formulated, intelligent, and entertaining. Her artistic style and skills were innate and shined in her bright creative ceramics, decorative macrame, and excellent sewing. She was also an avid bowler. With her green thumb, Anna and Ed enjoyed gardening together, joining in family parties and gatherings, and traveling. After retirement, they relocated to Ft. Pierce in Florida and Anna returned to Utica in 2006 to be closer to family. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Of all the blessings, Anna was most proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She left them a legacy of love and respect —- it was the greatest gift of her life. Anna is survived by her children, Edward P. Jr. and Tricia Iannone of Huntsville AL, James M. Iannone of Canal Winchester OH, Richard N. “Rick” of Ilion, and Lisa A. and Dan Cieplenski of NY Mills. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Anthony A. Iannone, Sr. who passed away on February 3, 2012. She also leaves her former daughter-in-law, Linda Iannone of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Rhonda and Kurt Ruhm, Renee and David Cavan, Anthony P. Iannone Jr. and fiancee Shandell Raposa, and their mother Marie Iannone; Edward P. Iannone III, Charmaine and Daniel Pritchard, Richard Jr. and Jennifer Iannone, Melissa Iannone, Rebecca Cieplenski, and Derek Cieplenski; and her great-grandchildren, Carter, and Aidan Ruhm; Morgan, and Avery Cavan; Cierra, and Dannah Pritchard; Brittney, and Chance Iannone; Richard Iannone III; and Jordan Iannone. She will also be remembered by her sister and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Jerome Dunnigan of Dayton OH; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law, Marie DiFondi of Penfield NY, Louise DiFondi of Rome, and Lucy Hyman of Utica. She was predeceased by her sister, Grace DiFondi; her brothers, Mario J. DiFondi, and Nicholas DiFondi; and her brothers-in-law, Thomas Iannone, and Joseph Barbaritano. The family is grateful to the staff of the Sitrin Health Care Center for the many years of dedicated and compassionate care provided to Anna with special mention of Sinod, Amber, Brittney, and Denise. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Anna’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mrs. Anna E. (DiFondi) Iannone

May 24, 1924 - May 28, 2015