Mrs. Congetta J. "Connie" (Renno) Paternoster

UTICA/CLEARWATER BEACH, FL - Mrs. Congetta J. "Connie" (Renno) Paternoster, age 95, was received into heaven when she passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017 in the comfort of her Clearwater Beach, Florida home with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on February 8, 1922, Congetta was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary (Abruzzi) Renno. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1940. On February 17, 1944 she married Dominick A. “Dick” Paternoster. They were perfect partners in life, sharing their love and supporting their endeavors for 73 years! Connie was the co-owner and operator of the landmark Tasty Creme Ice Cream Shop at the intersection of Albany Street and Welshbush Road, a successful family business for over 12 years. Connie had a hand on the pulse of her business and built up a legion of loyal patrons. She always had a smile on her face, sincerity in her heart, and compassion in her soul. As a matriarch, Connie’s concern for her husband’s well-being was constant, and as a mother, she had only the best in her heart for her children. She supported all their activities and applauded their achievements. She was a woman in charge of her household, and she was happiest when she was cooking and caring for her loved ones. Her values and work ethic began as a child, assets that were passed on to her children who carried them on as their lives unfolded. In 1962, Connie and Dick ventured to the North country, to their summer camp and second home on the shore of White Lake in the Adirondacks. They appreciated the relaxing and breathtaking beauty of the lake, the woods, and the community of neighboring camps as members of the White Lake Association. Connie’s hospitality was seen once again along with her sense of adventure as she rode co-pilot with Dick in their seaplane, and when he flew solo, she sat on the dock keeping a watchful eye for his safety. They were also blessed with family and new found friendships formed during the 20 years they spent at their house in Florida. Connie practiced her Catholic creed as a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where she found comfort in the Lord. Connie is survived by her husband, Dick; her daughter, Rachel Paternoster-Cohen of Clearwater, FL; her son, Frank James Paternoster, Sr. of Clearwater; her grandchildren, Dominick II and Nicole (Rondenelli) Paternoster of Dunedin, Frank James Jr. and Renae (Johnson) Paternoster of Utica; and Camaron Congetta Cohen of Ithaca; and her great-grandchildren, Amelia Rose, Grace Ann, and Dominick Anthony Paternoster, Jr. She also leaves many nieces, especially acknowledging Mary Ellen Arcuri who was like a second daughter; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, Rose French, and Carmella Gallimo; and lifelong friends, William and Mary Rego, and Marie Talento with whom she shared a common background and a special bond. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Jennie R. and Alfred P. Belmont; her infant siblings, Sam Renno, and Nicolette Renno; nephew, James Vincent Paternoster Sr.; and in-laws, Vincent James “Jim” and Marcella (Kinville) Paternoster, Louis Paternoster, Edward R. Gallimo, and Vernon French. The family offers sincere thanks to the staff of the Suncoast Hospice who provided care, comfort, and support to Connie and her family as well. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Avenue. Connie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Trinity Cemetery privately and at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760, online at www.suncoasthospice.org or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215, online at www.diabetes.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mrs. Congetta J. "Connie" (Renno) Paternoster

February 8, 1922 - October 30, 2017