Catherine B. "Kay" Percola

Catherine B. “Kay” Percola passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 12, 2016. At the time of her passing, she was amid the love of her family. Born in Utica, Catherine was the daughter of the late Anthony and Rose (Yule) Percola. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Kay’s working life was diverse. She was an assembler at the General Electric Company Radio/Receive Plant on Bleecker, as well as the Relief woman for the line, until its closing. She later enrolled in the Utica Beauty School where she became a N.Y. State Licensed Cosmetologist which yielded her a job at Donna Grippe’s Hairstyling Salon on River Road. Kay culminated her career as a cook at Alfie’s Restaurant on Culver Ave where her Italian delicacies were her specialty. When Alfie’s closed, Kay accepted a position at the Florentine Pastry Shop where she assisted in preparing pastries and making cookie trays. She retired from the work force to assist in raising her great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as the following generations. She was fun-loving yet firm as a disciplinarian, and the kids loved her. She was a compassionate and supportive soul, thoughtful and generous in a unique way. She spoke her mind for the purpose of motivation and was a great influence on her family. Kay was quick-witted at bantering and good-humored teasing. She loved to decorate for the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, and when her family gathered together, especially with the ‘little ones’, she was happiest. She was also an adventurer and journeyed throughout New York State. Her travel treasures and tall tales will bring a smile to the faces of family and friends for years to come as the stories are recalled. She enjoyed the sport of bowling, the excitement of the Casino, and the fun of family card games. You could find her dining out and shopping, especially for purses, shoes, and jewelry. Kay believed in her Lord, prayed, attended novenas and honored St. Jude, her patron saint. She practiced her Catholic faith at Historic Old St. John’s Church and admired the preachings of Rev. John Buehler. Above all, Kay was grateful and honored to have been a “second mother” and caregiver to four generations of her beloved family. Kay is survived by her brother and sisters-in-law, Nicholas and Palma Percola; and Mary Percola. She was blessed to have loved ones who cared for her and she for them. She shared a home with her cousins Marilyn Inman and Beverly Fellone, and their canine, Zoey. She will be left in the hearts of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews, who were an integral part of her life. She was predeceased by her brother, Valentino “Wally” Percola; her infant sister Catherine; and her aunts and uncles, Angeline Fellone, John and Ann Percola, Rose and Tony White, Nancy and Anthony Scavone, and Louis and Maryanne Percola. The family is grateful to the Utica Fire Department/Rescue One personnel for their compassion and kindness which was a great comfort during a difficult time; and the ER nurses at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care Center for their support and guidance. In keeping with Catherine’s wishes, the family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:30 at Historic Old St. John's Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John A. Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Please refrain from floral offerings and honor Kay’s memory with a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org/give.html or the 2016 Utica Kidney Walk online at ncarbone@cnykidney.org; envelopes will be available at the service.