Frances J. DeCuffa

Mrs. Frances J. “Frannie” (Cimino) DeCuffa, age 91, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on April 30, 1922, Frances was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine (Sacco) Cimino. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1940. On June 8, 1946 she married Dominick F. “Deacon” DeCuffa with whom she shared 33 years honoring their vows in accordance with the admiration and love they had for each other. The love of her life, Dominick passed away on November 11, 1979. At one time, Frannie held employment as a sales clerk with the famed Boston Store in downtown Utica. She then worked for Retail Credit. Above all, Frannie was a wife and best friend who offered her love and devotion to her husband. As a nurturing mother, her loved ones meant everything to her. She loved socializing with family and friends and was a joy to be around. She was always involved in family activities, and her age was never an impediment in her relationships with her grandchildren. Although she instilled the traditions of her heritage and family values, she was very contemporary minded. Fastidious in her demeanor and appearance, she was always dressed to impress. She loved to shop, enjoyed Sunday family dinners, and was an excellent baker. Her family will long remember her “cuzupe” and do their best to carry on the tradition. Frannie was very devoted to her church, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, where she was a member of the Busy Body Club, St. Anne’s Society, The Social Club, and Cousins Club. She attended Bible Study classes and volunteered at the annual festivals, holding dear the friendships she made there. Her generous nature also led her to become a Communion Ambassador where she distributed the Eucharist to those who were unable to attend Mass. Frannie is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Tony Hathaway, and Cathy and Larry Myers, of Utica. She also leaves her grandchildren, Deanna and Scott Lombard of Frankfort, Salvatore and Annie Torchia of White Plains, Nicole Rossi of Whitesboro and Tony Esposito, Kim Myers and Michael Fanelli of New Hartford, and Larry and Kim Myers of Frankfort; her great-grandchildren, Kate, Gage, and Larry; her sister, Ella Mazzaferro of Rome; her brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Marilyn Cimino of Utica; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchildren Connie Citriniti-Giacovelli, Suzanne Smith, and Frances Carollo; her in-laws, Albert and Nedia DeCuffa, and Ida and Philip Capraro Sr., and many special friends. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Nicholas J. and Lillian Cimino; her sister, Yetta Scialdo; her son-in-law, Salvatore Torchia; her in-laws, Salvatore Mazzaferro, Giacomo “Jack” DeCuffa, and Mary and Angelo Christiano; and her special cousin, Frances Citriniti, who she adored like a sister. The family is grateful to the staff of the St. Luke’s Home, especially acknowledging Alyssa Thompson, for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Frances’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Frances J. DeCuffa

April 30, 1922 - January 30, 2014