Mrs. Constance J. "Connie" (Carbone) Padula

Mrs. Constance J. “Connie” (Carbone) Padula, age 76, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at the Siegenthaler Center with her loving husband and family by her side. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey on July 4, 1934, Constance was the daughter of the late Jacob and Anna (Sacco) Carbone; she was a graduate of Long Branch High School. On May 5, 1954 she married Dominick T. “Dick” Padula with whom she shared 56 years in a union highlighted by unfailing humor and mutual respect. Connie embraced motherhood and maintained a happy home with an innate grace. She served on the Board of Elections from 1988 until this past voting period, rising to the position of clerk; a place where she thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of her many friends and coworkers. She took great pride and satisfaction from her work and earned the respect of her colleagues. Among her other attributes, she was an excellent cook and outstanding baker, an avid daily walker, and in her earlier years, an accomplished roller skater. A woman of great strength of character, Connie felt sincere empathy for all whom she met and befriended. Since her teenage, baby sitting jobs, Connie had a special ability to develop a natural rapport with children. She thrived in the company of all people, and in return was cheered and supported by her friends and loved ones during the last years of her illness. She will be remembered for living a life just as genuine as her beautiful smile. She privately held a deep spirituality, and was a faithful parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church where she was a member of the greeting committee. Connie is survived by her husband, Dick; her son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Barbara Padula of Clinton; and Barbara’s children, Shelly Kuczala and fiancé Louis Mitchell, and Alex Kuczala. Survivors also include her cousins, Carlton and Claudia Ceppaluni and family of NJ. She particularly cherished her longtime and devoted friends, Bette Hammer, and Maryann Moore, who were of great support to Connie during her illness. She was predeceased by her sister, Theresa C. Carbone, who passed away on October 29, 2010; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nicholas and Pauline Padula. The family extends sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Regional Cancer Center at Faxton Hospital, the truly dedicated staff of the Siegenthaler Center for their compassion and tireless devotion to Connie’s care, and a special thank you to Dr. Jawad Shaikh and Dr. Jorge Ferreiro for their professional guidance and personal commitment. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, please consider expressions of sympathy in the form of donations to the Siegenthaler Center; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Connie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum.

Mrs. Constance J. "Connie" (Carbone) Padula

July 4, 1934 - January 4, 2011