Carmela G. (Gaetano) Budlong

Mrs. Carmela G. (Gaetano) Budlong, age 86, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on July 9, 1922, Carmela was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Caroline (Buccini) Gaetano. Raised and educated in Utica, she attended Mt. Carmel School. On July 8, 1950 she married George E. Budlong with whom she shared 40 years in a blessed union prior to his passing on June 15, 1991. During her working life, Carmela was employed at the Tri-State Laundry and the Utica Cutlery. She then left the workforce to focus on raising her family. Her door was always open to loved ones and friends who especially enjoyed her coffee and homemade rice patties. An excellent host, she took great enjoyment in having a home full of company. She was endowed with a unique sense of humor which was lovingly passed down to her daughters. During her spare time she loved playing cards, particularly pinochle. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and at one time, she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society. Carmela is survived by her beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and John Calabrese of Louisville, KY, and Gina and Tom Thorp of Utica; her cherished grandchildren, Mark and Melissa Calabrese, John and Allison Calabrese, Scott Calabrese and fiancée Kristin Bik, Marissa Calabrese and Ryan Wilkerson, and Kelly Thorp-Wolcott; and her great-grandchildren, Dillon and Lily. Survivors also include her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; her sister-in-law, Jan Gaetano of Utica; and her many friends with special acknowledgment of Marge and Vinnie Giannoti, Grace Pugliese, Jean Tebsherany, and Renee Sudol. She was predeceased by her brothers, Phil, Anthony, Louie, and Jimmy Gaetano; and her sisters, Beatrice Talerico, Congetta Rocco, Rosemary Gaetano, and Marie Gaetano. The family would like to extend special thanks to the entire staff of the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center, especially 40East for the care and compassion given to Carmela. In keeping with the family’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carmela’s Memorial Service which will be held at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish this summer at a date and time to be announced. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Carmela’s honor to a charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. “Mom, you left us peaceful memories and your love is still our guide. Though we cannot see you, you are always at our side”.

Carmela G. (Gaetano) Budlong

July 9, 1922 - January 4, 2009