Mrs. Delphine "Dottie" (DiCuffo) Marchese

Mrs. Delphine “Dottie” (DiCuffo) Marchese, age 90, went home to the Lord on Sunday, January 22, 2017 peacefully in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on December 21, 1926, Delphine was the daughter of the late Martin and Lucy (Perretta) DiCuffo. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1945. On September 17, 1949 she married Nicholas R. “Nick” Marchese with whom she shared 57 years in a marriage of their era; they were young and their love was strong. Nick passed away on December 10, 2006. Dottie began her professional career at the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. She later worked for the Utica City School District as an assistant to the Corrective Reading Teacher. Subsequently, she held a position with MetLife in the Vision Claims Department, the position from which she retired. Eager to remain productive, she enjoyed working alongside her daughter at Utica Spray & Chemical Company until the age of 85. Dottie was a loving, compassionate, energetic woman who viewed life with optimism. She never spoke negatively of anyone. She was gentle, easy going, kind-hearted, and hospitable. She made Christmas Eve special and memorable by hosting the whole family year after year while making it seem effortless. She wanted to have her family together for these moments of reflective memories. She felt blessed to be a mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was humbled by the love and respect they had for her. As a girl, she enjoyed tap dancing and performed in shows. She treasured the many trips and vacations shared with her husband over the years. Dottie was an avid reader who also enjoyed word searches, and in her younger years, Pokeno gatherings with her club girls. She was a faithful communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. During her later years, Dottie endured the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s disease which caused her to divert from her normal routine, but met that challenge with grace. Dottie is survived by her children and their spouses, Patricia and Robert Tolfa of New Hartford, Martin and Maggie Marchese of Utica, and Deborah and Terrance Jones of Holland Patent; her grandchildren, Marita and Don Laribee; Tatum Marchese, Ryan Marchese and fiancee Wendy Forsti, Talia Marchese and fiance John Doti, Santina and Kelly Gordon, Serina Marchese and Nicholas Gentile, Michelina Marchese; and Maryssa Dolan; and her great-grandchildren, Joseph Marchese, Talan Marchese, Lily Marchese, and Serafina Gentile. She leaves her devoted and loving niece, Dolores Salerno, and niece Linda and Marty Jin; her nephew, Edwin McTiernan and Gail Owen; and sister-in-law, Johanna M. McTiernan. She also leaves her cat FiFi. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Mary DiCuffo, and Josephine and Peter Marasco; and her in-law, Edwin J. McTiernan. Dottie was able to remain in her home through the care of the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) and outstanding US Care personnel, including Samantha, Supora, Shaabria, Fatou, Katharina, Janice, and Bee; her neighbor and friend, Wanda, as well as Dottie’s children who were by her side every day. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Dottie’s honor to the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Memorial Fund or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Delphine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Delphine "Dottie" (DiCuffo) Marchese

December 21, 1926 - January 22, 2017