Mrs. Constance M. "Connie" (Grimaldi) Mannella

UTICA - Mrs. Constance M. “Connie” (Grimaldi) Mannella, age 88, passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the Masonic Care Community of NY after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Utica on October 9, 1930, Constance was the daughter of the late Albert “Al” and Mabel (Olite) Grimaldi. Connie was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1948 and went on to complete her course work as an X-Ray Technician in New York City, and she would often refer to that time as “the best year of her life”. On August 25, 1951 she married Peter J. Mannella who passed away on August 10, 2005. A commitment was made, vows were honored, and memories were shared during their nearly 54 years. Connie held positions with St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital on Whitesboro Street. After several years as an X-Ray Technician at the Children’s Hospital, she accepted a position with Dr. Harold Heintz where she was employed as an X-Ray Technician for some 29 years. She also held Technician’s position with Dr. John McKennan at Oxford Imaging and was a valued and beloved member of their staff, retiring in 2000. Connie had an incredible work ethic and a heartfelt concern for her patients. She served her employers faithfully and her co-workers were her closest friends. Connie was simply amazing. She was always doing something worthwhile and uplifting for others. She could make difficult tasks seem easy, and she was humble and shy about taking credit for all her acts of kindness. She worked hard to achieve her success and found an inner courage to remain strong and focused. In the many long-lasting relationships she formed, she treated others with respect, offered encouragement, and always wished the best for them. Her children were her greatest joy and she loved each of them equally and often spoke of their accomplishments. Connie and Peter were engaging parents involved with their kids’ activities, including cross-country runs, musicals, sports, and PTA meetings, to name a few. They were always working behind the scenes in all their endeavors. Her best work was in creating a beautiful relationship with her grandchildren. She sent them cards and presents for special occasions, made phone calls, baby-sat them, attended events in their lives, and was always fun and animated when she was with them. Connie found happiness and contentment in the simple things of life. A great cook and wonderful baker, she always honored holiday traditions, especially New Year’s Eve parties at their Rutger Street flat which were wonderful times, with plenty of people, food, spirits, and conversation. Everyone wanted to be there, especially when the ball dropped and they all exchanged hugs and kisses. They were the “best of times”, threads of a tapestry we must all leave behind, but always keep in mind. During her spare time, Connie enjoyed going to the casino, attending Broadway Theater League performances, and especially traveling to Maine every year with her late friend Ellie Brindisi. Connie was musically inclined and self-taught in playing many instruments particularly her organ and the piano. She even volunteered to play the keyboard for receptions at a local nursing home. She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, and at one time she was a lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Anthony of Padua. She held a great devotion for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and it held a special place in her heart. Connie is survived by her children and their spouses, Peter F. and Carol Mannella, Ronald A. and Renee Mannella, and Lisa A. and Michael F. Melara; her grandchildren, Karen and Chris Daniel, Katie Mannella, Tori Mannella and Ryan Waugh; Olivia Mannella; Juliana Melara, and Dominick M. Melara; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Melina, and Keegan; and her brothers and sister-in-law, Albert Grimaldi, and Vincent and Esther Grimaldi, who along with their children and grandchildren, were always there for her. She also leaves many nieces, especially acknowledging, Roseanne and her husband Dick Suhr; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Rose and Ted Mosakowski, special friends who were an extension of her family: the Brindisi family: Sandy & George Srour, Vivian Giansante, and Theresa Brindisi and her son Louie. Connie also wanted to mention Sandy Gaetano and her “Office Girls” who were wonderful to Connie; Mary Matthews, Marilyn Baryla, Marguerite LaVine, and Kim Bywater. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Vincenza Mannella; in-laws, Diane Grimaldi, Mario J. and Albertina Mannella, Grace and Leo Mitsler, and Ann and Joseph S. Torchia; special nephew, Mark Mannella; and dear friend, Ellie Brindisi. The family wishes to thank the personnel of the Presbyterian Home/Rehabilitation Department, the outstanding caregivers of the Old Forge Household of the Masonic Care Community, as well as Nancy Furlong/PA. A note of thank you to Deacon Bill Dischiavo of St. Anthony’s Church for his prayers and visit. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be considered to the Alzheimer’s Association/Central NY Chapter, online at https://www.alz.org/centralnewyork; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Connie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 11:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Committal prayers will take place in Calvary Chapel followed by Interment alongside her husband.

Mrs. Constance M. "Connie" (Grimaldi) Mannella

October 9, 1930 - November 11, 2018