Mrs. Claudia A. (Cappuccia) Nivaggi

UTICA – Mrs. Claudia A. (Cappuccia) Nivaggi, age 79, went peacefully to the Lord on Monday, January 21, 2019 when she passed away at the Siegenthaler Center. Born in Minturno, Italy on August 22, 1939, Claudia was the daughter of the late Stefano and Elisabetta (Lepone) Cappuccia. She was raised and educated in Italy where she was employed as a hairdresser. She married Vincent (Jim) Nivaggi on October 8, 1961 in the Basilica di Santa Teresa in Anzio, Italy, a beautiful city near Rome, and in 1962 she immigrated to Utica. When she made her new home in Utica, she enjoyed taking morning walks through Proctor Park (for over 40 years), as a way to socialize and a means to maintain her health. She took pleasure in playing cards, particularly the game of 31, with her sister-in-law Lena, her dear nieces, and friends, a relaxing way to share an afternoon with loved ones and occupy her time. She became a devoted Yankees fan, and almost never missed watching a game. Claudia and Jim explored the world together, traveling to six of the seven continents. They made many dear friends on their tours and would always bring back souvenirs and trinkets for their family. Claudia enjoyed learning about the customs and culture of people around the world and sharing her experiences when they returned. True to her ‘old world’ roots, Claudia and Jim cultivated amazing vegetable and floral gardens, tended to their fig trees, and out of love for their family, pursued the labor intensive art of canning their homegrown bounty. Known for her meticulously maintained home as well as for her baking and cooking, she was famous for her homemade blackberry brandy and her chocolate chip cookies. Claudia was happiest when she was cooking for her loved ones, especially for holidays and Sunday dinners. A woman of deep faith, Claudia was very active in parish life at the former St. Agnes Church. She volunteered for many years in the cafeteria at St. Agnes School, was a member of their Altar Rosary Society, and worked many pizza fritta sales and church bazaars. In her later years, she returned to her home parish of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel. Claudia is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Vincent (Jim); her daughter Elisabetta and husband Michael DeGironimo; and her son Stefano Nivaggi and his fiancée Tamie White. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren: Jeffrey DeGironimo, Mia DeGironimo, Eric and Nicole White, and Cory and Kayla White; and her great-grandchildren, Selena and Maci White, and Weston and Colter White. She will also be remembered by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Nicandro and Paula Cappuccia, and Antonio and Lorena Cappuccia; many special nieces, especially Joanne Yacco; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister Antonietta and husband Andrew Passarelli; and in-laws, Lena and Carmen Grasso, Angelina and Joseph Ducato, Josephine and Thomas Graziano, and John and Emily Nivaggi. The family wishes to thank their family and friends, including neighbor Arzett Bosco, for their support; Dr. Scott Brehaut for his kindness and genuine concern; and the nurses and staff at the Siegenthaler Center and her home health caregivers Rosana, Jessica, Mary, and Rachel for the loving care they provided to Claudia since her stroke. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Claudia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider a donation in Claudia’s honor to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. at https://hospicecareinc.org/ or to the American Heart/American Stroke Foundation at https://www.heart.org/. Envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Claudia A. (Cappuccia) Nivaggi

August 22, 1939 - January 21, 2019