Mrs. Carmela (Cucharale) Grande-Etergineoso

UTICA – Mrs. Carmela (Cucharale) Grande-Etergineoso, who had lived 102 full years of life, made a calm transition to the Lord as she passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023. With her was her son Robert who had been a main presence in her life. Born in Utica on April 13, 1921 she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Maria Angela (Pandolf) Cucharale. She was raised in the Utica City School District. As the size of her family grew, she went to work to help support the needs of her loved ones, which consisted of 7 siblings. It is very rare that a woman could find two wonderful men to share life with. In February of 1943, she wed Angelo J. Grande, who passed away on September 9, 1977. They were an affectionate couple, and loved each other very deeply. At a later time, she shared a union with Anthony “Tony” Etergineoso, who preceded her on December 16, 2009. They knew joy and laughter, and even though they married in their 60s, they still were able to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, which they considered a grand accomplishment. At one time, Carmela worked for the General Electric Company and Mohawk Valley Community College, holding esteemed positions at both places. However, the position she was most proud of was being a homemaker and raising her family with much love and pride. She was an accomplished woman at 102 years; she was a social and active gal, always on the go. She hosted many a wonderful Sunday dinner of pasta dishes; she also passed down to the next generation the traditional art of making homemade ravioli. She was a great baker as well as a phenomenal cook. She was meticulous in her appearance, always with her makeup applied with perfection. Her clothing was well attired, and you never saw her with a hair out of place. She said she always wanted to look good for her maker! Shopping could be an occupation for her, she treated it like a social event. Carmela was a passionate card player with family and friends. She simply loved being around other people. The Lord graced her with a sociable disposition, and many people admired her for that. She was modest and respectful to all from the first introduction. She was a benevolent soul whose affection touched many. Her grandchildren enriched her life, and the kids adored their tender and loving grandma. When Carmela reached an age where she needed further health assistance, her son Robert stepped up and never left her side. He brought her dinner almost every night – always accompanied by a scrumptious dessert or chocolate and a game of Rummy. Her inside drawer was always filled with treats. She lived life to the fullest and felt blessed every day. She never complained. The “Cucharale girls” grew up in an era where they lived in the proximity of one another, and they made time to be involved in each other’s lives. Carmela and Tony enjoyed residing for many years in Florida, they took advantage of a wonderful life together. It was upon his passing that she had memories of family back in Utica which prompted her to return back home to be in the company of those loved ones. At this time, she joined Robert in a local pitch league and played into her late 90s. On her 100th birthday, NY State Senator Joseph A. Griffo congratulated her with a proclamation for her valuable assets and recognizing this milestone. She loved the Lord and walked in His ways. She honored all the saints and prayed for others in need. Her celebration of her 102 years of life will be held at her home parish of St. John the Evangelist Church. Carmela is survived by her children and their loves, Melanie Bell (the late Thomas Bell), Richard M. and Jacqueline Cucharale, David P. and Nancy Grande, and Robert J. Grande and his former wife Joannie Grande; her step-children, Anthony and Lucille Etergineoso, Louis and Lee Etergineoso, and the late Rosalie Langley-Bohana; her grandchildren, Aimee Bell and her husband Nate Koechley; Thomas “Tommy” Bell; Richard Cucharale, Chris Cucharale; Nicole and Nick Linser, Mark Grande and fiancée Kayla Petrino, Lauren Grande and husband Mark Jabaly, Joshua Grande and Katie Masker, Matthew and Meghan Grande, and Nicole and Wesley Williams; and numerous great-grandchildren. She leaves her brother who is 101 years of age, Rocco Cuchiarale (the late Angelina “Lena” (Martello) Cuchiarale). During her life, she fondly remembered her siblings and their spouses who preceded her, Joseph A. and Florence Cucharale, Nicholas and Dorothy Cucharale, Henry “Cutter” and Mary Ann Cuchiarale, Mary and Nicholas Pepperine, Rose and Peter Levito, and Philomena “Phil” and Harold MacCrea. She will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews including Sharon MacCrea, Rita Rotundo (the late Chief Benny Rotundo), Maria Bruno, Carol and Fred Sanguine, Anthony Cuchiarale and Karen Force, David and Patricia Benedetto, Michele Benedetto-Lehman, Dr. Nicholas, Jr. and April Cucharale, Kim Carcone, and the late Joseph F., Sr. and Mary Ellen Cucharale; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and cousins. A very special thank you is extended to Ruby Parks, Robert’s companion, who has been of great support during this difficult time. She was additionally preceded by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Michael and Maria (Nunno) Grande; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rocco and Carmella Grande, John and Peggy Grande, Faye and Salvatore Talerico, Lucy and Vincent Motto, Christopher and Mary Grande, and Carl “Mooch” and Frances Grande. Carmela’s family wishes to thank the staff of Clark West at the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their outstanding and compassionate care. The family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carmela’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 66 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Carmela (Cucharale) Grande-Etergineoso

April 13, 1921 - November 19, 2023