Evelyn F. (Arrigo) Gaeta

Mrs. Evelyn F. (Arrigo) Gaeta, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica, Evelyn was the daughter of the late Anthony and Anna (Longo) Arrigo. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. On April 8, 1961 she was joined in marriage to Joseph F. Gaeta with whom she shared 46 years in a model marriage founded on love and devotion. Evelyn worked for many years as a secretary at the Utica Merchandise Co. She subsequently was employed with the Utica City School District as a secretary to the principal of Kernan Elementary School and later at John F. Kennedy High School until her retirement in 1985. A compassionate, loving, and nurturing woman, Evelyn provided great support to those she loved, especially with her listening ear. She was devoted to her family and especially to her cherished grandchildren. An excellent baker and cook, she provided many feasts for family and friends. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, and creative arts and crafting. She found much pleasure in her flower garden. She loved all types of music and was blessed with a beautiful voice. Among her other abilities, she was a talented golfer who once made a hole-in-one. As a faithful communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Evelyn was devoted to her Catholic beliefs. She served as president of the Assumption Society for many years, an organization which was founded with the help of her mother. Evelyn is survived by her husband Joseph; her daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Paul Diesfeld of St. Charles, MO; her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph N. and Susan Gaeta of Manlius, NY; and her grandchildren, Erica, Evan, and Elise Diesfeld; Ariana Gaeta, and Joseph Salem Gaeta. Also surviving is her sister, Mary Gaeta of Utica; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially acknowledging Regina Lewis; her in-laws, Theresa Arrigo of Utica, Angela Arrigo of Utica, Vito LoParco of Utica, Agnes and Vaughn Combs of Blossvale; and her many dear and cherished friends. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Frank C. Arrigo, Mariano N. and Antoinette Arrigo, and James Arrigo; her father-in-law, Joseph Gaeta; and her in-laws, Rasaline LoParco, Carmella and Louis Chirillo, and Frank Gaeta. The family extends appreciation to Dr. Naji El-Khoury and his office staff, and the nurses and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for all their care and attention. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today) from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Evelyn’s honor to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, or a Mass in Evelyn’s honor; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Evelyn’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 8:00 from the funeral home and at 9:00 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 F. (Arrigo) Gaeta

October 19, 1922 - September 11, 2007