Mrs. Florence A. "Bobbie" (Rizzo) Berthold

UTICA - Mrs. Florence A. “Bobbie” (Rizzo) Berthold, age 80, valiantly and peacefully passed into the hands of the Lord on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on June 23, 1937, Florence was the daughter of the late Gerald C. and Jennie (Turi) Rizzo. Gerald later married the late Maude Elva Pugh, and Bobbie was blessed to be part of this family. A graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1955, Bobbie was the National vice president of the Delta Gamma Sorority that was founded in 1898, and was proud to be the first Italian-American inductee. She was also a JV and Varsity Cheerleader and a member of the Debate Team. On February 11, 1956 at St. Francis De Sales Church, she married Sherwood F. “Bud” Berthold. They were truly in love, and Bud was captivated by Bobbie’s beauty, her intense brown eyes, and her tasteful feminine adornments, especially her pearls. Bud often said, “We are each other’s; you are mine and I am yours, forever” which sums up their relationship and 62-year union. Any woman would be proud to have had a devoted husband like Bud. Over the years, Bobbie’s career highlights included working at the New York Telephone Company as an Accounting Clerk, and the Harrison Bakery in the Mattydale area (where she would bring home their iconic half-moon cookies!). Her favorite position was a para-Librarian in the local school system where she was able to be close to her children always, if they needed her. She subsequently became an Accounts Payable Bookkeeper, a job where she could utilize her mathematical mind and talents. But Bobbie’s most fulfilling venture in life was her vocation as a mom, housewife, and matriarch of her family. She was the bright light in the lives of her loved ones, always concerned about her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was a hard worker and taught her children to embrace core values and live by the Golden Rule. She volunteered tirelessly for their school activities, especially the New York State Music Association, and the Cicero High School’s Band Parents Boosters Club, chaperoning many domestic and international competitive events. She was proud of their accomplishments and articulated talents, attended their performances, and followed their careers. Because of Bud’s professional commitments, they resided in numerous states throughout the country, but they returned to Utica in 2000. Bobbie had an effervescent personality, and many would remember her as a familiar face at Casa Too Mucha, “doing the beans” and being the official greeter. Back in the day, she was an excellent driver, as well as the driver of the golf cart when she and Bud were on the greens. Throughout her life, The St. Lawrence River, especially Millens Bay, was a sacred place for Bobbie to relax and appreciate the beauty of the North Country. She bowled in a women’s league and made it to the state and national tournaments, averaging 172, and later began to bowl with Bud. She devoured books, and she made the best spaghetti sauce in the universe! Tragically, at the age of 42, she suffered a cerebral aneurysm which took her normal life. But Bobbie learned to reference characteristics, vocabulary, and normal activity. She worked diligently to return to a new normal with awareness and cognitive ability that allowed her independence. For whatever abilities she lost in her life, she made the best of the situation. At times, she was rightfully angry, but overall she was pleasant and persevering. She was a woman of faith in her quiet mannerisms. Bobbie and Bud practiced their Catholic faith as parishioners of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church and more recently at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Bobbie is survived by her devoted husband, Bud; her children, Sherwood F., Jr. and Anne Berthold, Jean Ann “Bonnie” Berthold, and Bryan and Kathy Berthold; her grandchildren, Billy and Kari Ann Berthold; and Paul Berthold; her siblings, Carol Mojave, and Patricia “Pattie” M. Rizzo, and Jeff and Robin Rizzo. She was preceded by her siblings, Paul Rizzo who passed in infancy, Paul G. Rizzo, Sr., Jacquelynn Klay, and Donald L. Gross. She also leaves her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Arlene Gross, twins Janet Stevens and Joan Bolton; Bud’s twin Shirley Wysocki, twins Terrence “Terry” and Debbie Berthold, and John Berthold. Bud and Bobbie were blessed with a chosen brother and his cherished wife, Steve and Beverly Felice who went above and beyond for them. She was predeceased by her in-laws, John H. and Marion F. Berthold; and her sister-in-law, Eleanor Nagnar. The family extends sincere thanks to the multiple physicians who were credited with providing the care Bobbie needed during difficult times; the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center/ICU for their incredibly sensitive and compassionate care, exceeding the needs of Bobbie as well as Bud in such an informative and kind way; Fr. Joseph Salerno for his prayers and diligence in visiting Bobbie; phenomenal caregiver, Michelle, who became a member of the family. She did all the right things for Bobbie which made her happy, and she also kept an eye on Bud. In life, we are born into a loving family, but the love we share with special siblings is the strongest, and Bobbie’s sister Patti was the greatest source of support in so many ways. She was the go-to person and it was her nature to do all she could to see that her sister had the best of care. Bud said she moved many mountains. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bobbie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on a day and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations in the name of Florence R. Berthold to the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) Adult Care Program online at https://www.rcil.com; envelopes will be available at the service.

Mrs. Florence A. "Bobbie" (Rizzo) Berthold

June 23, 1937 - February 10, 2018