Evelyn V. (Kagan) DeCola

WHITESBORO – Evelyn V. (Kagan) DeCola, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with those she loved most in her heart. Born in NY Mills, NY, on November 24, 1926, Evelyn was the daughter of the late Michael and Victoria (Szczygiel) Kagan. She attended Kemble Elementary School and was immensely proud to have had the opportunity to obtain her GED later in life. On April 22, 1950, Evelyn was united in holy matrimony with Adolph F. “Tuffy” DeCola. The couple shared in a loving and devoted union of over 55 years together prior to Tuffy’s passing on July 2, 2005. Evelyns working career was expansive. At one point, she was employed at the Heritage Healthcare Center (now the Utica Rehabilitation and Nursing Center), the position from which she retired. A loving matriarch, Evelyn remained protective of her children, even into their adulthood. She was an active member of the Whitestown Senior Center and enjoyed her time spent at Lutheran Active Day. Evelyn was quite the dancer in her day, and she especially enjoyed dancing the polka with her husband. Evelyn was a parishioner of the Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church. Above all, Evelyn loved life and had a deep desire to keep living it to the fullest. It was her heartfelt hope to reach 100 years of age, and she fought with determination to achieve that goal right up until the very end. Evelyn is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Rick Maggiolino; and son and daughter-in-law, Anthony “Al” “Tuffy” and Pat DeCola. Always close to her heart were the memories of her daughter, Victoria R. “Vickie” DeCola, and infant son, Andy, who preceded her. She leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren, Laura Maggiolino, Andrew and Nicole Maggiolino, Aaron and Zoe Maggiolino; Anthony and Lori DeCola, Olivia and Ron DeJong, Victoria and Kyle Schweizer, Marisa DeCola, and Charlie and Nikki Walz; great-grandchildren, Derek DeCola; Cecilia, and Deacon DeJong; Cianna Husnay; and C.J., Maddox, and Sammy Walz; brother, Norman A. Huzar; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Evelyn had many special friendships that she cherished throughout her life. Evelyn was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ernest and Maria Christina (Circelli) DeCola; brother, Edwin Kagan; and her late husband’s siblings, Romeo, Mattio, George, Rose, and Mary and their spouses. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff of the 3rd and 7th floors of Wynn Hospital, especially Lori Fiorentino, for their care and compassion. Thank you as well to Dr. Scott Breahaut, Dr. Naji El Khoury, and Carrie; as well as the staff of the assisted living unit at the Presbyterian Home for CNY for their loving care of Evelyn. The DeCola and Maggiolino families are eternally grateful for the support they have received from their friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Evelyn’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at the Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church, 16 Park Ave., Whitesboro. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Evelyn’s honor may be made to the Abraham House Rome online at www.theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Evelyn V. (Kagan) DeCola

November 24, 1926 - July 22, 2025