Mrs. Flora N. (Rubino) DeFazio

EAST UTICA/SOUTH UTICA – The beloved matriarch, Mrs. Flora N. (Rubino) DeFazio, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024 with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica, NY on September 20, 1928, Flora was the daughter of the late John Rubino and Pasqua (Potenza) Rubino. She was a proud alumna of Brandegee Grammar School and, in 1983, she achieved a significant milestone by earning her GED. During those times, family needs often took precedence and Flora wholeheartedly embraced work to support her loved ones. Her dedication led her to employment at the Oneita Knitting Mill, Mele Manufacturing, and later General Electric at their Broad Street location. On July 4, 1956, Flora married the love of her life, Carlo P. "Carl" DeFazio. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love and partnership, blessed with children who were their pride and joy. They shared a remarkable 50 years together before Carl's passing on February 8, 2007. The fact that their parents are now reunited brings a sense of great comfort to their children. A devoted mother first and foremost, Flora created a home filled with love, laughter, and the rich traditions of her Italian heritage. Once she knew her children were of school age, she ventured into a calling that was heartfelt to her. Flora had the innate ability to love upon others as family. Thus, this was recognized by the late Sister Rose Vincent as Flora cared for her mother, Mrs. Margaret Gleason. She went on to serve many other families in need with home care skills that were unparalleled. Flora was always considered family and a treasured soul. She also cared for her in-laws, her siblings during their time of need, and was an example meant for all to see. She lived her life with humility, preferring to make a difference without fanfare. Her children, whom she often referred to as her precious "gems," carry on her legacy of grace and kindness. Flora had the quality of being a great listener. She always made you feel that everything was going to be okay and to trust in the Lord and in yourself to see things unto closure. The basic necessities were always there; love, peace, harmony, and contentment. Flora actively participated in her community, proudly joining the St. Elizabeth Guild in which she modeled for their many fashion shows, was a member of the Italian Cultural Center, and volunteered for a multitude of causes. She also cheered on the runners of the Boilermaker Road Race and participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on team “Light of Hope.” She thoroughly enjoyed attending craft fairs and antique shows. She looked forward to watching the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and enjoyed a Reuben sandwich and Irish coffee. Flora’s greatest accomplishment, as she would proudly proclaim, was being a mother, an unparalleled role she cherished above all. Her home was a welcoming haven, always filled with love, compassion, and an abundance of food. Her kitchen was the heart of her home which family and friends gravitated towards. Flora achieved one of her biggest dreams by traveling to Italy and visiting her family. Deeply spiritual, Flora's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was very devoted to St. Cosmas and St. Damian, attended the annual festival of the Saints as well as St. Rosalie’s festival. She was a longtime member of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Her unwavering faith and dedication to her religious practices were inspirational. Flora leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory forever. She is survived by her children, Carol Ritchie, who opened her home for her mom and family, Grace and her husband, Rocco Garro, Esther Rindenello, Joseph J. DeFazio (and the late Irene DeFazio), and her late son-in-law, Joseph J. “Joe” Bouse; cherished grandchildren, John M. Ritchie; Paul J. and Sara Rindenello, Michael G. and Alexis Rindenello; Lucia Garro; and Bianca, and Bella DeFazio; and her great-grandchildren, Jace, and Lyla Grace Rindenello; Carlo, and Paul Rindenello Jr. She also leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Josephine and Paul Zakala. She treasured the memories of her siblings who preceded her, Rose and her husband Ralph Jackson, Mary Rubino, Giovanna “Jenny” Rubino, and Santo “Sammy” Rubino. She further leaves her memory to many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and godchildren with special mention of Paula Zakala Jones. Additional survivors include her sister-in-law, Jessie A. Lechevet (and her late husband Raymond). Flora was preceded by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Grace (Domanico) DeFazio; her in-laws, Pat and Kelly Durse, Angeline and Anthony Mattia, Marie (Pugliese) Capra; and beloved cousins, Dr. Samuel Rubino and his wife, Pat “Bunny,” and Sante and Yvonne Rubino. As the word Flora is defined as a flower, she had an enormous bouquet of friends. She was additionally preceded by her dear friends, Sister Rose Vincent, Sister Johanna, and many others too numerous to mention. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Flora's healthcare team and their staffs including Dr. Molly Schug, Dr. Domenic Aiello, Dr. Jorge Ferreiro, Dr. Peter Massi, Dr. Mark Hobaica, Dr. Joseph Gale, Dr. Ahmad Shafi Mian, the teams at Arcadia Home Care, Nunn’s Equipment Supply, Oneida County Office for the Aging, the rehab centers at the Masonic Home, the Charles T. Sitrin Home, The Grand of Utica, Waterville Residential Care Center, Hospice and Palliative Care, and the kindness shared in addition by the staff at Parkway Drugs and Coriale Flowers. There were so many wonderful people who touched Flora’s life with kindness, love, respect, and support. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Flora's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Flora N. (Rubino) DeFazio

September 20, 1928 - January 5, 2024