Evelyn (DiPastina) Tuttle

Mrs. Evelyn (DiPastina) Tuttle, age 71, of Utica, currently residing with her children in Monroe, Connecticut, passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Born in Utica on July 30, 1936, Evelyn was the daughter of the late John and Jennie (Giacomobono) DiPastina. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a 1954 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School and furthered her education at Utica College of Syracuse University, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in Education. At one time she had been married to Dennis R. Tuttle. In 1959 Evelyn accepted a position at the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District (VVS) where she taught English for many years. As a team leader and advisor to the Junior National Honor Society, she was recognized by her colleagues and administrators for her professionalism. During her tenure, she was credited as a masterful teacher who perfected her craft. Her students admired her ability to ignite literature, her genuine concern as a mentor, her progressive curricula, and her long lasting relationships that endured through the years. She retired in 1998 after many years of dedicated service. As a testament to her excellence in teaching, she was inducted into the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1994. In keeping with her dedicated nature, she supported the Upstate Cerebral Palsy Association, and actively contributed to numerous charitable organizations. As an avid and voracious reader, she was a patron of the Utica Public Library. She was also a devoted high school and college alumna who faithfully gathered with her classmates in friendship and comradery. She enjoyed traveling, and held an appreciation for the theater, museums, and cultural and historical observances. During her spare time, she found pleasure in sewing. Evelyn was a planner, organizer, and a woman who was so thoughtful in remembering others’ special days. She also had the unique ability to bring people together to celebrate and commemorate, always keeping those she loved close in spirit. Evelyn's greatest pleasures and deepest satisfaction came from the relationships with her children and grandchildren. Surviving are her daughters and son-in-law, Diane L. and Ed Billings of Monroe, CT, Joyce A. Tuttle of Utica; her son, Robert N. Tuttle of Black Rock, CT; and her cherished grandchildren, Katelyn R. Billings, and Jonathan E. Billings. Also surviving are her nieces and nephews, Dr. David and Dr. Nancy Ciccolella of Philadelphia, PA, and John E. Ciccolella of Utica; her great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, with special mention of Betty Poccia. Evelyn was blessed with friends from childhood who have bonded by goodness and the generosity of sisterhood. These friends will be remembered forevermore by Evelyn’s children for their devotion to their mother. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Eugene A. Ciccolella, whose memories she honored and kept close to her heart. She was also preceded in death by her niece, Tina (DeSantis) Ciccolella. The family extends a special thank you to all those wonderful caregivers, especially Sandy, who have tended to, and bonded with her beloved daughter, Joyce. May they all be blessed for their kindness. Gratitude is also expressed to Dr. Paula Vecchio, and Dr. Scott N. Gettinger and staff at the Yale Medical Center, for their professionalism, personal attention, and concern. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations to the family to enable them to establish a scholarship fund for a worthy student at VVS; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Evelyn’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Evelyn (DiPastina) Tuttle

July 30, 1936 - November 14, 2007