Mrs. Frances (Gigliotti) Laria

Mrs. Frances (Gigliotti) Laria, age 89, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on June 1, 1921, Frances was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine (Jones) Gigliotti. She was raised and educated in Utica and attended T. R. Proctor High School. On November 2, 1945 she married Anthony Laria who passed away on December 3, 1951; their life together was of a short duration but was blessed with a lifetime of memories. Frances was employed for 20 years as a surgical technician at the Faxton Hospital emergency room, retiring in 1986. She was also affiliated with the family concern, Gigliotti’s Appliance Sales & Service, where she worked as a bookkeeper for 30 years. The business was established by her late father, Joseph, for his family, and was located at several East Utica sites. Lastly, she held a position at Upjohn Health Care Services as a dispatcher for the company. Frances was patient, kind, and optimistic, and always found the good in others. Endowed with a good work ethic, she was innately a caregiver and showed compassion for people under her care. Frances was family oriented, and the blessing of grandchildren and great-grandchildren was so important to her. This was a rejuvenating time in her life, and she was always mindful of special occasions and proud of her loved ones’ accomplishments. Her favorite pastimes were reading and crocheting. A prayerful and faith-filled woman, she was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Frances is survived by her devoted son, Andrew J. Laria of Sunrise Beach, Missouri; her daughter and “son”, Kathy and Bob “Givo” Giovinazzo with whom she shared a home for over 40 years, and also shared a truly ‘best friend’ relationship; her grandchildren, Anne Marie and Edmund Romano of Hilton Head, SC, Marie Elana and Steven Casazza of St. Louis, MO, Andrea Stott of Carmel, IN, and Anthony and Marisol Laria of Manhattan, NY; and her great-grandchildren, Lexi and Vicky Casazza; Francesca Romano; and David and Julia Stott. Survivors also include her cherished brother, Michael Gigliotti of Canastota; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially acknowledging the kindness and devotion of her cousins Nettie Nuccio, and Marie Gigliotti; and her extended family, Roseann Luongo who loved and respected Frances as her “second” mother; in-laws, Joseph and Frances Laria; and her treasured best friends and co-workers, Gail Warmuth, and Geraldine Crumb. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph C. “Gene”, Jr. and Rosemary Gigliotti; and her in-laws, Rose DeCarlis and her husband, Arthur. The family expresses sincere appreciation to Dr. Michael Schiano and the nurses and staff from the 3B Unit of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Dr. Elif Erim and Dr. Florin Olteanu from the Masonic Care Community of NY; the entire staff of Central New York Cardiology with special mention of Dr. Ashok Patel - his expertise and kindness were so comforting; also, the love and dignity displayed to Frances by the entire staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY was so meaningful. During her final days, the nurses and caregivers of the Masonic Care Community of NY Queens household were so exceptional because they truly cared for Frances with compassion and respect, and embraced her with heartfelt goodness. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Frances’ Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish with the Rev. James Cesta officiating. Interment and committal prayers will take place graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery beside her husband. “Mom, we will miss and love you the rest of our lives.”

Mrs. Frances (Gigliotti) Laria

June 1, 1921 - June 22, 2010