Mrs. Carolyn (Giannatelli) DeBernardis

UTICA - Mrs. Carolyn (Giannatelli) DeBernardis, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at The Pines at Utica for Rehabilitation & Nursing with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 1, 1931, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Grace Giannatelli. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1949. At a young age, she studied under Jon Magendanz and became an accomplished pianist. One of her greatest joys was accompanying her daughter as she played the oboe. On September 6, 1954, she married Leon J. DeBernardis, Sr., Esq. who passed away on May 17, 2013. They shared a 58-year union and were so proud of the beautiful family they created. For many years, Carolyn worked as a legal secretary for her husband at his law office. She not only oversaw the organization of the office, but kept her husband in check. This was a perfect job for her because it allowed her a portion of the day to head out to purchase her cigarettes and shop at JC Penney! One of Carolyn’s greatest attributes was being a sight-reading musician, able to perform music she had not seen before with tremendous grace. Her family’s fondest memories were assembling around the baby grand piano as Carolyn played while each of her loved ones accompanied her in a woodwind ensemble. Carolyn was an intuitive and expressive piano player who instilled a love and appreciation of music to her entire family. Spunky and spontaneous, Carolyn was always ready with a surprise. She was the life of the party and she knew how to have fun. She and Leon headed to Florida every winter, most often to Deerfield Beach or the Royal Flamingo Villas in Pompano Beach, and summers were spent at their camp at Caroga Lake in the foothills of the Adirondacks. She fondly remembered the “Bradford Ave. Club”, a group of friends who enjoyed house parties and get-togethers in the 1960’s. The Christmas season, especially Christmas Eve, was the best for her and she honored the traditions and prepared the meals from scratch. She was also amazing at decorating with great flair! She was a character, known by many as “Liz Taylor” because she had a style and grace in her appearance, complemented by a personality that was a bit unfiltered. She was a fan of NY Rangers hockey and NY Mets baseball, and was well versed in the rules of the games. She loved the intensity of the sport and once again, it was a family affair. She practiced her Catholic faith as a member of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and in earlier years was a member of the Women’s Club, and the St. Elizabeth Guild. Most importantly, Carolyn was a great defender and a driving force for each of her children, and her strength, confidence, and courage was an inspiration to them. She supported their endeavors and wanted them to attain their maximum potential. In return, she was blessed with three generations of loved ones who admired and cherished her. And they will always honor her memory. Carolyn is survived by her children and their spouses, Susan G. Augusto, Patty and Harry Scaramella, and Leon Jr. and Mary Ann “Mia” DeBernardis. She held close to her heart the memory of her daughter Celeste Ann Rositano who passed away in 2012; her son-in-law David A. Rositano who passed in 2000; and her grandson Marcus Joseph Rositano who preceded her in 1980. She also leaves her grandchildren, Allison Augusto, Eric Augusto; Matthew David Rositano, Valerie Grace and Mike Tomaselli, Amanda Marie Rositano and her husband Tony Lawrence; Carolyn and her husband Matthew Montalbo, Alexandra Grace Scaramella; and Thomas John DeBernardis, Esq.; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Alexis, Lucy, Marlow, Ollie, and Charles; Alexander, Aiden and Sofia; Rocco, and Violetta. She will also be remembered by her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her in-laws, Angela and Richard Zarski, Anna Trevisani, and Regina Belt. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Claude and Beverly DeBernardis, Anthony Albert DeBernardis, Frank Trevisani, and Ralph Belt. The family is grateful for and truly impressed with the genuine love and compassion provided by the staff of The Pines at Utica Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing, especially the 3rd Floor nurses and personnel; and Carolyn’s roommate Beverly Brown who watched over her. In keeping with the family's wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carolyn’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Carolyn’s memory may make a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org. Envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Carolyn (Giannatelli) DeBernardis

September 1, 1931 - February 20, 2019