Anthony P. "Gellie" DellaGala

Mr. Anthony P. “Gellie” DellaGala, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2006 at the Seigenthaler Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. Born in Utica on April 5, 1925, Anthony was the son of the late Dionsio and Filomena (Geruntino) DellaGala. He was raised and educated locally. It was in St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort on November 22, 1947 that he was joined in marriage with the former Mary P. Internicola with whom he has shared a blessed union of 58 years, one that has been filled with the couple’s true love and mutual devotion. In his early years Anthony worked at his father’s side in the National Pastry Shop. Later he accepted employment with the State Dept. of Public Works, Canal Division, working for that organization as a stationary crane operator from 1950 until his retirement in 1980. As a devoted family man, Anthony was an exemplary husband, father, and grandfather. Loved and respected by his family members, he was an understanding and sympathetic man who always put the needs of his loved ones before his own. Beyond his family circle, Anthony also proved himself to be a caring and generous individual who was sincerely concerned with the well-being of everyone he came in contact with: he was always the first to offer the hand of friendship and assistance to anyone in need. In his leisure time, Anthony enjoyed woodworking, a craft in which he was especially skilled. He also liked to play cards with his son, Anthony. He loved following and watching his favorite sport of hockey and was an avid fan of the NY Rangers. A communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church, he was also a member of the CSEA. Mr. DellaGala is survived by his loving wife, Mary; and his son, Anthony DellaGala of Utica. He cherished in his heart the memory of his son, Dennis N. DellaGala, who preceded him in death on April 8, 1980. His survivors also include his granddaughter, Mary Maciewicz of Schuyler; his sister, Isabella DellaGala of Utica; 3 brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Mildred DellaGala, Henry and Gloria DellaGala, and Raymond and Connie DellaGala, all of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and his in-laws, Vita and Richard Gonyea of Frankfort, Joseph Internicola of Westwood MA, and Anthony C. Poccia of Utica. He also leaves his very special lifelong friends, Jane and Don Skermont, Cathy and Anthony Giruzzi, and Barbara Santino. He was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Anthony F. Falange; a nephew, Dennis J. Falange; and his in-laws, Sara Poccia, and Nicholas Internicola, Jr. The family offers its sincere appreciation to Richard and Vita Gonyea and their family, to Jane and Don Skermont and their family, to Cathy and Tony Giruzzi, to Gloria DellaGala, and to Barbara Santino, all of whom bestowed the comfort and support of their care, concern, and loving attention upon Anthony and Mary. Thanks also to Windy Mitchell RPA-C and Dr. Samir Desai for their many acts of kindness. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Anthony’s name to the American Cancer Society or to the Alliance for the Mentally Ill; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. DellaGala’s funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Anthony P. "Gellie" DellaGala

April 5, 1925 - May 4, 2006