Mrs. Carmella M. (Graziadei) Teti

NAPLES, FLORIDA/NEW HARTFORD, NY – Mrs. Carmella M. (Graziadei) Teti, age 87, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Although her family who surrounded her at the time of her passing felt sadness, they offered her much comfort and she concluded her earthly journey with dignity. Born in Utica on January 16, 1937, Carmella was the daughter of the late Rocco C. and Catherine “Kate” (Potenza) Graziadei. She graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing/Class of 1957, passing her boards to become a Registered Nurse. She furthered her studies at the State University of New York Utica/Rome where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. On November 28, 1957, she was wed to Nicholas J. Teti, Jr. They worked as a couple to respect one another, and truly were a love match who put the needs of their family first. Carmella not only worked diligently, but she also cared for the needs of her husband during the fourteen years of his illness. The couple shared nearly 33 years together before his passing on December 5, 1990, at the age of 55. For 48 years, Carmella cared for patients as a Registered Nurse, beginning at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica. After relocating to Naples, she spent time as a Supervisor at Naples Community Hospital. In addition, she held the position of Clinical Nursing Instructor at Lorenzo Walker Technical Institute and Edison Community College. For several years after retirement, Carmella volunteered at a healthcare clinic for the elderly. Carmella had a gentle yet strong character, and rarely raised her voice. She had a great passion for nursing and gave it her absolute all throughout her entire career. In fact, she gave every situation in life her complete dedication. She had a magnetic personality and was respected for being non-judgmental. She possessed a great empathy for others; she fostered many relationships which were especially important to her in her work and in her personal life. She was humble and modest, two virtues that were considered her hallmarks. Most of all, Carmella was insightful, dedicated, and had a heart full of integrity. As a mother, she taught her children to be strong and steadfast. She was unwavering in her motherly love and support. She passed her convictions on to her children and was their sole comfort. She often likened her grandchildren to snowflakes – each one unique and beautiful. Even though her family all spread out, relocating to various places along the East Coast, Carmella always made her way to the special events in their lives. Her rapport with each of her children and grandchildren was so important to her and so rewarding. She loved including everyone in holiday celebrations and family functions, and was known for her Italian specialties, including her lasagna, eggplant, chicken parmigiana, meatballs with sauce, and her memorable cookies, including her wine cookies, almond paste, butterballs, and her black pepper cookies (Taralli). Carmella was a proud member of the Alumni Association of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing. She also was an avid walker. Carmella was always interested in seeing God’s beauty and had an opportunity to travel to numerous countries to experience the unique cultures and to see the beauties of their landscape. Later in life, she was blessed with a well-suited traveling companion, Patricia Wagner, who was a dear friend, coworker, and shared common interests. Most important to her, she attended daily Mass, whether in the physical church or watching it at home. She always received our Lord in the Eucharist with the utmost reverence. She was able to receive ashes on this most recent Ash Wednesday the day prior to her passing. She was a fervent Catholic, a member of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church of Utica and St. Agnes Church of Naples, where she found such solace in her beliefs, which always kept her grounded. Carmella is survived by her cherished children and their spouses, Michael Teti, Nicholas Teti, III and Jonathan Harmantas, Stephen and Jacqueline Teti, Teresè and Steven Livermore, Christopher and Sherita Teti, and Nicole and Brian Morris; her grandchildren, Danielle and Trent Hudson, Michael and Brittany Teti, Brittany and Nicholas Barnes; Brandon and Kelly Teti, Brieanna and Michael Southwell; Stephanie and Justin Hale, Sabrina Livermore, Heather and Matthew Jensen, Christina and Michael Volo; Cassandra Teti, Alyssa Teti and her fiancé Dylan Mertzlufft, and Rachel Teti; Emily and Peter Schaefer, and Andrew Kimball; and her great-grandchildren who so blessed her heart, Emery-Kate, Anneliese, and Caroline Hudson; Oliver and Weston Teti; Lilia and William “Liam” Barnes; Owen, Nathan, Matthew, and Levi Teti; Remi Southwell. She was predeceased by her great-grandson, Nicholas Alexander Hale, who is now reunited with her. She further leaves her memory to her siblings and their spouses, Carl and Jo Ellen Graziadei, and Sara and Dominick Pepe; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, including her special cousin and Goddaughter, Mary Fiore Christiansen; her in-laws, Sue Teti (and the late Michael Teti), Concetta “Connie” Caruso (and the late George Caruso), Mary Teti (and the late Joseph Teti), and the late Frances (Teti) and Guy Scerbo. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nicholas J., Sr. and Mary (Mezzanini) Teti; and also, a very special close family friend/companion, Raymond “Ray” Zinsmaster. Carmella will remain in the hearts of the many friends she made along the way. The family wishes to thank the Legend of Broomfield, located in Colorado, as well as Compassionate Hospice Care, for their solace while caring for her physical and spiritual needs. Carmella’s peacefulness was so evident to the staff in the most delicate days of caring for her, there were many tearful eyes, showing their respect for Carmella, who showed such love and had a special spirit. In recognition for the exceptional care provided to Carmella during her final days, memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Compassionate Hospice Care of Broomfield, CO by mail to 11935 Quay St, Broomfield, CO 80020; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Also, a scholarship fund has been established in memory of Carmella at the SUNY POLY Foundation. It is a joint program between SUNY POLY and the Saint Elizabeth's College of Nursing, a 1+2+1 collaborative nursing program. A nursing student while attending SUNY POLY during their first and fourth years will be honored with a scholarship annually in Carmella’s name. Memorial contributions may be made by mail to the SUNY POLY Foundation - Carmella M. Teti RN Scholarship Fund, Attn: Andrea LaGatta, 100 Seymour Rd., Utica, NY 13502; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carmella’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. The Mohawk Valley Nurse Honor Guard will offer ritualistic services at her funeral service. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Carmella M. (Graziadei) Teti

January 16, 1937 - February 15, 2024