Donna M. Gazzilli-Coy

Donna M. Gazzilli-Coy, age 52, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at her home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her loving family was by her side at the time of her passing. Born in Utica on July 1, 1954, Donna was the daughter of the late Daniel and Josephine (Fanelli) Gazzilli. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Some years later and simultaneous with her busy career, she resumed a course of academic studies which resulted in her certification as a paralegal. She was very proud of this admirable and rewarding accomplishment as well as of the various honors that she earned for her efforts. On July 7, 2001 she married Jeffrey L. Coy, Sr. with whom she shared a loving union. Over the years Donna enjoyed a highly successful career as an enterprising businesswoman in various local ventures. At one time she owned and operated R.J.’s Beauty Salon on West St., and she concurrently conducted ceramics classes at that location. For a period of time she was also the owner of Don Michael’s Pizzeria on James St. where she took an active role in running the business. More recently, she and her husband have been involved in the operation of the Alaskan Air Conditioning Co. Also, since becoming a certified paralegal, she has successfully pursued a second career path, one that she has undertaken in addition to her business ventures. She was most recently employed with the law firm of Peter M. Hobaica LLC. Donna was a caring, loving, and compassionate woman whose family meant everything to her. With her loved ones and friends alike, she was ever willing to listen and to offer her advice and guidance to help others cope with adverse situations or solve problems. A generous and gracious person, she always received greater satisfaction from giving than from receiving. In recent years, her granddaughter Daniella was the “love of her life,” and her greatest joy in life was the very special and rewarding relationship they shared. Donna loved the holidays and especially enjoyed all of the family and seasonal traditions, including the cooking, baking, shopping, gift-giving, and gathering with her loved ones and friends. In her leisure time, she liked to go to the casino with her “Casino Clan.” She also enjoyed playing the lottery, cooking, and various crafts. Donna possessed a strong faith and steadfast spiritual values, character traits which carried her through many rough times, including her illness. She was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Donna is survived by her husband, Jeffrey L. Coy, Sr. Also surviving are her children: Ralph J. Cavo and Joseph R. Cavo, both of Utica, and their father, Ralph Cavo; Allan R. Goodhines of Utica, and his father, Allan R. Goodhines; Dr. Jeffrey Coy of Whitesboro; and Tonya Coy of Schuyler. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Daniella Cavo and Danielle Coy; a sister Josephine A. Hebert of Utica; a brother, Guy D. Gazzilli of Utica; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and her mother-in-law, Tharon Coy of Fonda, and her father-in-law, David Coy of Whitesboro. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Daniel Hebert, with whom she shared a special relationship. The family extends special appreciation and gratitude to all the friends and relatives who offered support and who visited Donna frequently and faithfully during her illness, especially Diane Dillabough, Diane Mozzetti, Camille Campola, Sheila Biamonte, Rosalie Anderson, Mary Ann Devins, Peter and Judy Hobaica, Alan and Sarah Nicolette, Maureen Quackenbush, Pat Jackson, Barbara March, Pat and Bill Turczyn, and Michele Misiaszek. Thanks also to the staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care Center, especially Valerie in the CCU, and Virginia and Wendy, the staff of the Heritage Home, Dr. Butala and his staff, the personnel of Hospice Care Inc., the ECR International for their support and concern, and the UFD Rescue One for their care and expertise. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Donna’s funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Donna M. Gazzilli-Coy

July 1, 1954 - July 11, 2006