Congetta "Connie" (Bonanza) Alberico

Mrs. Congetta "Connie" (Bonanza) Alberico, age 90, of Utica, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Skilled Nursing Facility. At the time of her passing her loving family was by her side. Born in Utica on December 18, 1918, Congetta was the daughter of the late Peter and Josephine (Procopio) Bonanza. She was raised and educated locally. On June 29, 1940 she married Dominick A. “Dick” Alberico with whom she shared 66 years prior to his passing on March 27, 2007; their union was unique because of their unconditional love and true companionship that fulfilled their lives. At one time, Connie worked as an assembler at the Mele Manufacturing Company. As a loving matriarch, the greatest gift in her life was the love and joy that her family gave to her, and being an admired mother was one of her greatest rewards. She was unselfish with every act of kindness and sacrifice she made to her loved ones, a testament to her spirit of giving and limitless generosity. Her grandchildren brought her to an additional level of gratitude and giving, and she made sure that each of them was blessed with a special memory and occasion of her love. She shared her wisdom with them and left a great impression upon their lives. And the secret to her longevity was enjoying the lively company of her great-grandchildren! Entertaining was her forte, especially when her loved ones surrounded the table filled with her favorite homemade dishes and baked goods. A “bit of a shopper”, she was delighted when she was invited to browse the stores and end the day with dining out. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Connie is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Marie and Edward Cichello of Utica, and Elaine and Michael L. Elefante of Whitesboro; her grandchildren, Regina and Tom Pfisterer, Christine and Charles Heath, Louis Elefante, and Michael A. Elefante; and her great-grandchildren, Elena Marie, Thomas, and Dominick Pfisterer. Survivors also include her nieces and nephews, Ronald Bonanza, Carrie Bonanza, George and Jean Albright, Theresa Alessi, Philip Montesanti, Kathleen and Dominick Timpano, Marie Bifano, Michael and Susan Alberico, Frank Alberico, Nick and Joan LaBella, and Carmelita Syrotynski; her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, and her longtime and loving extended family, Roberta and Bart Colwell. She will also be missed by her canine companion, Buddy. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Frank Montesanti, Theresa and Daniel LaBella, Josephine and Michael LaBella, and Angeline and Joseph Bifano; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Nicholas and Madeline Bonanza, and Dominick R. and Phyllis Bonanza; her nieces and nephews, Marie and James Graziano, Thomas P. Bonanza, Peter Bonanza, Anthony Alessi, Marie “ReRe” Korzenski, Sara Montesanti, and John Syrotynski; and her in-laws, Florence Alberico, Philomena Alberico, Mary and Sam Massaro, Alma and John Palmisano, and Nunzio and Lottie Alberico. And never forgotten was Connie’s family dog, “Lady”. The family is grateful to Dr. Bradley Sklar, Dr. Francis Constantine, the staff of the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Skilled Nursing Facility, especially the 2nd floor Rehabilitation Center for the love and respect that they displayed in so many heart warming and inspiring ways to Connie and her family. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Connie’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum.

Congetta "Connie" (Bonanza) Alberico

December 18, 1918 - November 20, 2009