Geraldine "Gerry" (Cipriano) Dellechaie

Mrs. Geraldine “Gerry” (Cipriano) Dellechaie, age 85, a native of Utica and more recently of Baldwinsville, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Born in Utica on March 1, 1931, Geraldine was the daughter of the late James V. and Rose (Salamone) Cipriano. She attended Utica Free Academy. On January 27, 1951 she married Paul A. Dellechaie with whom she shared 55 years in a loving marriage. Paul passed away on August 23, 2005. Gerry was a hospitable hostess who loved to entertain. With her gift of gardening, she adorned her yard with rose bushes and a variety of flowers. She and Paul cultivated a variety of vegetable gardens that filled their dinner table. Gerry loved to cook Italian food and was famous for her sauce, meatballs and tomato pie. Because Gerry and Paul loved the outdoors, they purchased acreage in the town of Columbia where they built a “little house” in paradise. It became their get-away and haven where they spent some of the best years of their marriage. She had a great affection for animals and enjoyed the companionship of her cats and dogs. Gerry was a caring heart, very loving and supportive of good causes. She was a true friend in time of need. She had a great sense of humor and a magnetic personality that awarded her many wonderful friends. Family, friends, and neighbors were very important to her, but most of all Gerry loved being a grandmother. She was grateful to have raised a beautiful family and was particularly proud of their musical talents. She was a woman with great strength of character that carried her through her times of illness. Her will to conquer her challenges was incredible and had roots in her Catholic faith. She prayed the rosary and was faithful to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Geraldine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christine M. and David F. April of Baldwinsville, and her son James W. Dellechaie, of Oneida. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Paul J. Dellechaie, who passed away recently on February 4, 2016. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Pauline Dellechaie; her grandchildren, Lindsay April of VA, Joshua April, and Mackenzie April, both of Baldwinsville; Stacey and Paul Phillips, of Oriskany; her step grandson, Justin April, of AL: and her great-grandsons, Blake, and Jace Phillips. She will also remain in the hearts of her nieces and nephews who she was so fond of and adored; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Vincent Dellechaie, and Francis Dellechaie; and an array of wonderful friends. She also knew the love and respect of Judy Rowlands who she loved like a daughter. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Cipriano; her sister, Eleanor Ross; and her in-laws, Mary and Calvin Odin, and Marie Dellechaie. The family extends a note of gratitude to the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital for their compassion, kindness, and excellent care. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Geraldine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Committal prayers and Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Geraldine "Gerry" (Cipriano) Dellechaie

March 1, 1931 - March 9, 2016