Mrs. Emma (Fallone) Ragonese

UTICA – Mrs. Emma (Fallone) Ragonese, age 91, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023. In a moment of peace, she departed, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever warm the hearts of her family. Emma was born on May 2, 1932, in the town of Castelforte, province of Latina in the Lazio region of central Italy, to the late Guiseppe and Teresa (DiVaccaro) Fallone. She migrated to the United States as a young woman, to be reunited with her twin brother who had settled in Utica. Duilio “Dewey” Ragonese, who came from the same town in Italy, had also migrated and settled in Canada. Emma and Dewey were childhood sweethearts, and she travelled to Canada to marry him on January 6, 1952. Then, as a couple, they traveled to Utica to begin their new life together. They knew each other’s hearts and maintained their core values creating a wonderful life for themselves. As they became parents, they passed onto their children the blessing of their bond to their heritage. Through perseverance, they celebrated just over 68 years of marriage prior to Dewey’s passing on May 3, 2020. Emma worked, as many women of her era did, at local factories, most notably Joseph and Feiss. Her sewing skills were extraordinary, and she was also known for her expertise in alterations, serving many iconic local department stores. Her work was done in the best way possible… a lost art. Emma's creativity and dedication were evident in the fashionable garments she crafted for two generations of her family. When someone is referred to as salt of the Earth, that person, Emma, and those qualities belong to someone who is solid, dependable, unpretentious, and honest. To call her salt of the Earth is the greatest of compliments. She was a remarkable cook, always prepared to feed others with hospitality. Her creations were so well seasoned, and always fresh from their garden. Napoli’s bread was a complement to any of their meals. Emma lived a life of hope, and her glass was always “half full.” She was pleasant and serene and in earlier years, always enjoyed an opportunity to “take a ride” in the countryside. She loved being close to the Earth and her green thumb allowed her to tend to her plants and take personal interest in their growth. Emma's home was meticulous, and she took great pride in it. Black coffee, made on the stove in her Moka pot, was the center of many table gatherings of family and friends. It brought laughter to her home and togetherness, even just for a “visit.” Traditional holidays were of paramount importance to her, and her table was open to all, as she believed that everyone was family. Her greatest pride was to be a mother and grandma. She provided a solid foundation of genuine love and when you needed advice, she was truthful and wise. Emma's strong faith was an integral part of her life. She was a devoted Catholic and was a member of Mary, Mother of Savior Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Campus. Her dedication to her faith was unwavering, even during challenging times. Emma is survived by her sweet, supportive daughter, Diana K., and son-in-law Robert Moore. She cherished the memory of her son, Vincent J. Ragonese, who preceded her on November 6, 2003. She also leaves behind her cherished and beloved granddaughter, Katie, with whom she shared a very special and close relationship, and Matthew Grinnell; her beloved grandsons, Duilio Ragonese, and Eric Lawless; her great-grandchildren, Isla, Emma, and Owen; her sister-in-law, Mary Fallone (and her late husband Arthur, Emma’s twin brother); and she fondly remembered her other siblings and their spouses who preceded her, Quirina and Alessandro Rosato, Carmela and Severino DiPaola, and Angelo and Graziella Fallone. She leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Emma had a special connection with her niece, Angela DiPaola, who remained a significant part of her life until the very end. She was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vincenzo and Caterina Ragonese; and her in-laws, Raffael and Maria Ragonese, Emma and Antonio Falso, and Amelia and Salvatore Vezza. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Rome, they were loving and wonderful in their care of Emma. She also enjoyed her time with fellow residents. The family will honor and commemorate her life privately. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Emma’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at a private time where she will be reunited with her beloved husband.

Mrs. Emma (Fallone) Ragonese

May 2, 1932 - September 30, 2023