Mrs. Cornelia "Connie" (Nelson) Gaetano

Mrs. Cornelia “Connie” (Nelson) Gaetano, age 85, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2012 in the comfort of her home with the support of her family. Cornelia was born in Utica on June 21, 1926, the daughter of the late Cornelia (Gaffney) Nelson. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On May 25, 1946 she married Charles A. Gaetano; they celebrated 65 years as one heart united by strength from each other’s passions. They were so much in love, even to the very moment of her passing. In 1960, Connie and Chuck established the Charles A. Gaetano Construction Corporation. As a team totally committed to their endeavors, they offered their expertise and generosity to each project. They were the builders of many of the area’s premier industrial, educational, and healthcare facilities. Connie proudly served the company as Secretary/Treasurer. Connie was a multifaceted individual. As a wife, she supported her husband in their personal and professional endeavors, as well as being the love of his life. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was a loving matriarch and had an innate understanding of each family member’s needs, and she will be remembered for her fairness and love shown to all of them. Proud of her Irish heritage, you never saw Connie without a sparkle in her eye, a smile on her face, and laughter in her heart. Her life was guided by her wisdom and faith, always reflecting back upon the basis of her beliefs. Those who knew and loved her will agree that “the likes of this wondrous woman will not be able to be duplicated”. She showed modesty and humility in spite of the graces and blessings that she worked for in life. She was tastefully stylish, graced with an indomitable spirit, and had a positive approach to adversities. Connie’s humanitarian and civic contributions will live on in her legacy. A devoted community leader, her many acts of charity were done without fanfare or the need for praise; although she was so proud of being the first recipient of the Business Woman of the Year Award in 1980. She was a woman who possessed much grace, dignity, reverence, and vitality. Connie loved her faith which was manifested in the ways she invested her time, talent, and treasure. Connie nurtured her involvements with her personal prayer and was spiritually nourished at daily Mass, many times joining the faith community at St. Joseph Nursing Home where she had a great love for the staff and residents. Her civic affiliations were numerous. She was a current board member of Sunset Woods, member of Ft. Schuyler Club and Yahnundasis Country Club, very actively involved on the Board of Directors at the St. Joseph Nursing Home, and member of the Board of Directors for the Good News Foundation. Connie supported her parish family of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in a variety of ways. Some of her involvements included her dedicated attendance at the Annual 13 Tuesday Novena in preparation for the Feast of St. Anthony; her staunch support of the St. Cosmos & Damian Celebration, participating spiritually, contributing financially, and volunteering at the festival events; and her membership on several communities for Parish Renewal. On a Diocesan level, Connie was instrumental for decades with her presence and presents. When she was called upon to consider ways of promoting the mission of the Church, before the caller had finished the request, she was known to respond with a heartfelt “YES”. Connie and her husband received a Diocesan Level Award from two Bishops as they were named Knights & Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre, an award for embracing the virtue of charity and leading a Christian life. In addition, Connie was a member of many groups including Board Chair of Catholic Charities in Utica, member of the Diocesan Board of Catholic Charities, 1st Chairwoman of the Diocesan Hope Appeal, and Board Member of the Heritage Campaign to carry on the mission of the Syracuse Diocese. In the broader faith community, Connie was a supporter of the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet as a member of the Development Office Advisory committee. Mrs. Gaetano truly lived her faith in every aspect of her life. Connie is survived by her beloved husband, Charles; her sons, daughters, and daughters-in-law, William C. and Cecelia Gaetano of Schuyler, Brian and Sandy Gaetano of New Hartford, Charles N. and Vita Gaetano of Barneveld, Mary Judith Gaetano of Clinton, Colleen Gaetano of NY City, and Greg “Tucker” Gaetano and Michelle Marino of Schuyler; her grandchildren, Anthony and Meagan Gaetano, Dr. William Gaetano and Mary Rose Gaetano; Erica and Chris LoRusso, and Brittany Gaetano; Heather Gaetano, Charles A. Gaetano II, Matthew Gaetano, and Elizabeth Gaetano; and her great-grandchildren, Olivia, Francesca, Charles A. III, Anthony, Jr., and Rocco. She also leaves her 2 nieces, Brenda A. Baker, and Donna Jones; and her sister-in-law, Rose M. Jones. She was blessed with many loyal, dear, and entrusted friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, Walter Nelson, and Neal Nelson; her sisters and brother-in-law, Rosemary and Robert J. Baker, and Mary Agnes Finn; her nephew, Robert J. Baker; and her in-laws, Antonio and Congetta Gaetano, Frank and Angela Gaetano, Moelwyn Jones, and Julia Gaetano. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Memorial contributions in her honor may be considered to the St. Joseph Nursing Home to support the 40th Anniversary Fund which she held dear to her heart, the Utica College Charles A. Gaetano Scholarship Fund, or the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Connie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by her Pastor, Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Entombment will take place in the family’s private Mausoleum in St. Agnes Cemetery at their convenience.

Mrs. Cornelia "Connie" (Nelson) Gaetano

June 21, 1926 - January 23, 2012