Mrs. Gloria E. (Gentile) DeSantis

NEW HARTFORD - Mrs. Gloria E. (Gentile) DeSantis, age 92, was reunited with her family on Monday, May 29, 2017 when she passed away at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. At the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of those she loved the most. Born in Utica on March 31, 1925, Gloria was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Grandeinetta) Gentile. She received her formal education at Brandegee Elementary School and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1943. On November 25, 1948 she married her high school sweetheart Vito A. "Nappy" DeSantis, with whom she shared 59 wonderful years prior to his passing on January 19, 2008. They loved and respected one another, and their life was richly rewarded with the blessing of their children. Gloria was graced with the gift of raising her children as a stay-at-home mom, the greatest fulfillment in her life. When the kids were off to school, she began a career as an Executive Secretary at M.V.C.C. in both the academic and administrative areas. Many would remember her as a gracious woman who was well put together and presented herself with a very classy style. Like many of her generation, Gloria grew up in a simpler time. She was altruistic and possessed a glad-to-be-alive attitude. At the start of World War II she did her best to help the Red Cross by making bandages and volunteering at the USO. Music was a major interest in Gloria’s life, and she was a member and past President of the Sweet Adelines Chapter for seven years. She also served as President of The Charm School for the young girls of East Utica. During her leisure time, she enjoyed playing bridge and golf. But Gloria’s greatest joy in life was in giving her time and love to her children, her career, and her community. She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where she attended Sunday Mass and appreciated the spiritual renewal it provided. Gloria is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Stuart Finer, and Patricia and Samuel Slade, all of Clinton, Candace and Kenneth MacDonald of Duanesburg NY, and Maria and Ronald Zdrojeski of Port Washington NY; her son, Robert DeSantis of Whitesboro and Joanne Russell; her grandchildren, Samantha Slade and Brian Kern, Gloria and James Karol, Sam, and Sarah Slade; Ian and Leah MacDonald, Jesse and Carolyn MacDonald, Nicole and Even Natelson, Jacqueline, and Jennifer Zdrojeski; Alexander, and Nicholas DeSantis; Julie, and Andrew Finer; and her great-grandchildren, Victoria Elizabeth Kern; Evelyn, and William Karol; Alexandra, and Seumas MacDonald, Alidalyn MacDonald; Lucy Natelson, and the anticipated birth of a baby sister any day! She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Angeline Entwistle. Gloria was favored with many dear and cherished friends, too many to mention, but especially acknowledging Grace MacNasser, who was also her cousin, and Angie Fusco, and Winnie Raciti. She was predeceased by in-laws, Grace and John Calandra, Michael and Rose DeSantis, Retired Lt. Col. Joseph and Shirley DeSantis, Pat and Dorothy DeSantis, Lena and Joseph Camarra, and Donald Entwistle; and her lifelong friends, John Fusco, and Helen Tebsherany. The family is grateful to Gloria’s home health caregivers, Sanela, Suvada, and Dina, for their love and compassionate care; the kind and sensitive staff at the Preswick Glen; and the nurses and aides of the Allen Calder wing at the St. Luke’s Healthcare Center who were so giving of their time and tender care. The family honored and commemorated Gloria’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gloria’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. “My life was simply a beautiful garden filled with a rainbow of flowers”.

Mrs. Gloria E. (Gentile) DeSantis

March 31, 1925 - May 29, 2017