Diane "Dixie" Grimaldi

Mrs. Diane “Dixie” Grimaldi, age 71, of North Utica, passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2007, with her family by her side in the comfort of her home. Born in Utica on August 8, 1936, Dixie was the daughter of Theresa (DiAndrea) Martelli and the late Raymond F. Martelli. Raised and educated locally, she was a 1954 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. On July 30, 1955, she married her childhood sweetheart, Albert Grimaldi. As partners in a happy and loving marriage of 52 years, they enjoyed family and the simple pleasures of life. Dixie was always satisfied, never looking for more, and thankful for what she had. Her greatest joy came from attending the activities of her children and grandchildren. Traveling to Georgia and Florida to visit her family were events to which she looked forward. She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Dixie is survived by her husband, Al; her son and daughter-in-law, Aldo and Carolyn Grimaldi of Atlanta, GA; her daughter Dee Dee Grimaldi of Tampa; her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Joseph Leone of Utica; her mother, Theresa Martelli of Utica; grandchildren, Niki, Ali, Roman, and Marcus Grimaldi; Jeffery and Courtney Heriot; and Joseph and Daniele Leone. Also surviving are her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Joseph Caramato of Tampa, FL; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, an uncle, and her in-laws, Connie M. Mannella of Clinton, and Vincent and Esther Grimaldi of New Hartford. She was predeceased by her sister, Joan Critelli; her in-laws, Albert and Mabel (Olite) Grimaldi; and her brother-in-law, Peter J. Mannella. The family extends appreciation to Dr. Mary Cunningham and staff of Syracuse, Dr. Kevin McCormick and staff of Utica, the 4th floor staff at Crouse Irving Hospital, and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for providing much compassion and outstanding care. The family also wishes to express a sincere thank you to their family and friends who were so supportive and compassionate during Dixie’s illness, especially acknowledging Vinny, Esther, Connie, Marie, Fred, Roseanne, Ricky, Joe, and Flo. Visitation will be held Monday (today) 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 contributions in Dixie’s honor to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. or to the North Utica Senior Citizens Recreation Center; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Dixie’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Diane "Dixie" Grimaldi

August 8, 1936 - August 23, 2007