Faustine L. Melchiorre

Faustine L. Melchiorre, age 90, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. She was a woman of uncommon personal fortitude. One of thirteen children, Faustine was born in Utica on April 4, 1918, the third child and oldest daughter of Angelo and Maria (Salamida) Melchiorre. Faustine attended local schools, worked at General Electric for many years, and retired from the New York State Hospital. The matriarch of a large extended family, Faustine was loved and admired for her courage and dignity. She cherished her family and friends, and they cherished her. She maintained the bonds of family, especially with her nieces and nephews around the country with whom she regularly corresponded, continued to share recipes and recommended good books. She was a voracious reader and she loved discussing books. Faustine was renowned for her exceptional baking skills and her keen sense of humor. She was a devout Catholic and her life was centered on her faith. She was a wonderful woman --- a devoted sister, a beloved aunt, and a trusted neighbor. Faustine is survived by her brothers and sister-in-law, Daniel and Anne Melchiorre of CA, and Nunzio Melchiorre of Utica; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucy and Sidney Segal of SC, Anne Melchiorre of Utica, and Angela and Angelo Nole of New Hartford; her sisters-in-law, Anna Melchiorre, Jane Melchiorre, and Rosemary Melchiorre, all of Utica; and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by six brothers, Joseph Melchiorre, Guy Melchiorre, Cosmo “Red” Melchiorre, Frank Melchiorre, Alfred Melchiorre, and Angelo Melchiorre, Jr.; her adopted brother, Orrie Polacelli; her sister, Marie Greco; and her two beloved nephews. Faustine’s family is grateful to the wonderful staff, especially her devoted aides, at the Charles Sitrin Home, 40 West. Visitation will be held Monday from 5:00-8:00 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 Faustine’s honor to either The George A. Nole II Scholarship Fund at Notre Dame High School, or the George A. Nole II Cerebral Palsy Reading Den United Cerebral Palsy; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Faustine’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Faustine L. Melchiorre

April 5, 1918 - April 17, 2008