Bernadette "Bessie" (Ciccone) D'Onofrio

Mrs. Bernadette “Bessie” (Ciccone) D’Onofrio, age 86, formerly of South St., Utica, and currently of Houston, Texas, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2006, at the home of her daughter Grace, who had been caring for her. Born in Utica on January 7, 1920, Bessie was the daughter of the late Antonio and Marianna (Consales) Ciccone. She was raised here and attended local schools. On April 1, 1949 she married Gennaro “Jerry” D’Onofrio, loving him for 45 years until his passing on September 22, 1994. They were blessed with a wonderful and affectionate marriage and because they were so in love, they were at each other’s side always. Bessie missed her Jerry until the day she passed away. The family is comforted by the fact that they are reunited. Bessie’s primary focus was her household and family, but she also worked outside the home at General Electric at the Bleecker St. location. A warm-hearted woman who truly was an excellent mother, she took great pride in caring for her home and family. Generosity of heart, strength of character, attention to others’ needs and wants, and a hard work ethic portray Bessie’s nature. Her finest qualities were her unconditional love, humor and grace of giving. An often remembered comment was, “You’re going to miss me when I’m gone, and you will laugh at the things I said”. During her leisure time, she enjoyed sewing and preparing for all the holiday entertainment and family events. But her greatest recreational happiness was derived from her summer home at White Lake, and all the wonderful memories built around it. She had a firm belief in her Lord and his unconditional love, and was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Bessie is survived by her daughters, Grace D’Onofrio of Texas, and Irene D’Onofrio and Dave Harrington of New Hartford; and her son, Gennaro “Jerry” D’Onofrio, Jr. of Texas. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, William M. Burns, III and his fiancée Erin Taft, Larry Calenzo, II; Bernadette Weston, Joshua Weston; Jacquelyn D’Onofrio, Dalia D’Onofrio, and Shannon D’Onofrio. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Gennaro D’Onofrio III. Also surviving is her great-grandson, Dylan Gadly Burns. She was preceded in death by an infant great-grandson, Giovanni Orazio. In addition, her survivors include her sisters, Amelia Graziano of Utica and Clara DePaul of CA; and her brother and sister-in-law, Marshall and Patricia Ciccone of Utica, her beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; her in-laws, Orazio “Harry” and Alma D’Onofrio, Peggy D’Onofrio, and Theresa Mortarelli. When living in Utica, Bessie was blessed with many wonderful friends, neighbors, and comarès. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Henry M. and Marian Ciccone, and her in-laws, John D’Onofrio, Josephine and Joseph Felder, Salvatore Graziano, Angelo DePaul, and Jennie and Angelo Gentile. The family is grateful to Bessie’s daughter Grace, who cared for her mother with such dignity and concern during her long illness. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. Mrs. D’Onofrio’s funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place at Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum of Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Bernadette "Bessie" (Ciccone) D'Onofrio

January 7, 1920 - November 6, 2006