Edith (Piccolino) Rastani

Mrs. Edith (Piccolino) Rastani, age 88, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve morning, Thursday, December 24, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Silva Gazo, in the Province of Frosinone, Italy, on October 7, 1921 and christened with the birth name of Aida, Edith was the daughter of the late Joseph and Frances (Pacciarelli) Piccolino. As a child, along with her family, she settled in Utica where she was raised and educated, attending T. R. Proctor High School. On May 26, 1942 she married John L. Rastani; they worked together as a couple and appreciated the blessings of 67 years. Edith was employed as an assembler at the General Electric Company Broad Street location for many years. A highly motivated woman, she displayed a strong work ethic at her job and at her home. Her family will remember her love and guidance and the happiness she found in selflessly serving her husband and children, who were her main priority in life. She was a meticulous housekeeper and a fabulous cook, noted especially for her traditional Sunday dinner and her delectable baked goods. She had a generous and forgiving nature and lived by the precept, “If you can’t say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all”. Her family was so lucky and fortunate to have had the inspiration and love of such a wonderful woman and role model. Edith is survived by her husband, John; her daughters and sons-in-law, twins, Sandra and Rocco Carzo of Utica, and Arlene Edith and Russell Ogden of Broomall, PA; Judy and Bill Kleine of Lancaster, PA, and Cynthia and Brian Ure of Holland Patent; her grandchildren, Michael and Jean Garro, Lauren and Steve Brown, John and Dawn Ogden, Russell Ogden, Leslie and Craig Mazeska, Matthew Chudzinski, and Aaron Ure; and her 8 great-grandchildren, Trevor, Connor, Sophia, Anna, Ava, Zachary, Zoe, and Zadie. Survivors also include several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her in-laws, Theresa and Charles Bonanza, Thomas “Tommy” and Sally Rastani, and Annette Rastani. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Alexander A. and Frances Piccolino; her sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Lou Vaccarelli-Cavanaugh, and Amelia and John “Jack” Dowdall; and her in-laws, Anthony and Theresa Rastani, Guy and Cecilia Rastani, Lugo and Marie Rastani, Mary and Francis Amrhein, Angeline and Philip Polizzi, Louis Rastani, and infant Charlie Rastani. The family expresses sincere thanks to the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Allen Calder Wing for their exceptionally kind and caring devotion rendered to Edith during her stay. Visitation will be held on Monday (today) from 1:00-3:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Edith’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday afternoon at 3:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Sister Elizabeth Giarrusso, CSJ officiating. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Edith (Piccolino) Rastani

October 7, 1921 - December 24, 2009