Frances M. (D'Acunto) Dellenger Dixon

Mrs. Frances M. (D’Acunto) Dellenger Dixon, age 88, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on August 2, 1923, Frances was the daughter of the late Alexandro and Rose (Bonacci) D’Acunto. Raised and educated locally, she attended Mary Street School. In 1944 she wed Harold Dellenger who passed away on May 26, 1964; to their marriage came the blessing of 2 children. Frances was industrious and hard-working, and for a majority of her employment years she held a position with Dunlop Tire Company. On December 24, 1968 she was blessed with a second union to Joseph C. Dixon who passed away in 1984. In her maternal world, Frances was blessed with the natural abilities of a loving mother, and was so very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a supportive, kind, and generous woman, devoted to her parents and a selfless caregiver to them as well as her beloved husbands. She was also a wonderful cook and baker, especially remembered for her Italian cookies and fruit cake. In her earlier years she enjoyed traveling with senior groups and always had a great interest in religious ventures and visiting shrines. For many years she volunteered her time at Faxton Hospital, and helped with the needs of any neighbor or infirm person as a part of her daily routine. She held a deep and abiding faith in the Lord, and found spiritual solace in Mass and precious comfort in her rosary. She was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Frances is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Fran Perkins of Westmoreland; her son and daughter-in-law, Arthur and Nancy Dellenger of FL; her grandchildren, Harold and Ashlyn Dellenger, Robert and Erin Dellenger; Lisa Mosher, and Judy and James Anthony; and her great-grandchildren, Jack; Luke and Eli; Joshua and Michael; and Samantha. In addition, she leaves her nieces, especially Rose Ann D’Acunto with whom she shared a special closeness, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, brother-in-law, Felix Vennero; and sister-in-law, Arlene DeConti. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Rachel Vennero, and Melvina and Joseph Rabbia; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Ralph DeConti, Benedict J. “Benny” and Bertha D’Acunto, Anthony and Catherine “Dolly” D’Acunto, and Ernest DeConti. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their outstanding and accommodating means by which they cared for Frances; and to the personnel of St. Joseph Nursing Home for the love and care they provided that made a home away from home for Frances. In keeping with Frances’ wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon at 2:00 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home Chapel, 2535 Genesee Street, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of her celebration. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Food Pantry at Historic Old St. John’s Church in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Frances M. (D'Acunto) Dellenger Dixon

August 2, 1923 - April 18, 2012