Mrs. Gloria J. (Napoli) Morgia

Mrs. Gloria J. (Napoli) Morgia, age 82, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2014, in the comfort of her home amid her loved ones. Born in Yonkers, NY on July 1, 1931, Gloria was the daughter of the late Luigi and Genevieve (Delia) Napoli. She graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1950. On April 18, 1952 she married Joseph J. Morgia with whom she shared a 58-year union. Gloria loved him, could depend on him, and knew him to be an honorable man. Joe passed away on December 16, 2010. Gloria worked as a cook at Altieri’s Restaurant in Clinton for many years. Together, the owners and co-workers comprised a close ‘family’ that worked hard together and Gloria cherished the camaraderie that developed over the years. Subsequently, she was a server at General Herkimer School, the position from which she retired. Self-reliant and innovative in all her endeavors, she was a woman ahead of her time, able to balance work and her duties at home. As the matriarch of her family, Gloria watched over the affairs of her children and their children. She was a fantastic cook and in her later years she loved to bake. Decorating for the holidays was a sentimental time, and as years passed everyone was assigned responsibilities and Gloria oversaw the final inspection. She was also fond of her abundant ceramic miniature shoe collection that increased as friends and loved ones traveled and remembered her by adding to her treasure. Gloria was blessed with courage and strength of spirit, attributes that allowed her family to look to her for advice in difficult times. And she was truly admired for her ability to know what was best in matters of the heart. She felt her greatest success in life was raising a wonderful family and earning the admiration and respect of her children. She harbored a great gratitude for our civil service professionals and submitted many editorials defending the heroic work of the Utica Fire Department; for her efforts, she was honored by the UFD. During her leisure time, she bowled alongside her husband and traveled to major tournaments. A sports fan, she could often be heard yelling at the television as she had her eye on the New York Rangers hockey team and their shot at the Stanley Cup finals. Gloria was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Gloria is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Camille and David J. Hanzalik, Sr. of Utica, and Christine and Edward Eck of Frankfort; her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph J. Jr. and Heather Morgia of Utica; her grandchildren, Melissa and James Pollard, Michelle Nelson, David J. Hanzalik Jr. and Stormi Woodhall; Tiffany and Capt. Josh Early, US Air Force, Thomas Eck, Tricha Eck; Deana, Joseph P., Elizabeth “Lizzy”, and Dominick Morgia. Always close to her heart was the memory of her infant grandson, Johnny Morgia, who passed away on May 25, 2010. She also leaves her great-grandchildren, James Jr., and Jayden; Aidan, Chase, and Thomas; Tyler, Isabella “Bella”, Josiah, Solare, and Aaron. Her extended family includes many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws John and Rosalind Morgia, Angelina Mathew, Agnes Natali, Sam Tufo, Pauline and Armando DiStefano, and Jean Morgia. Gloria appreciated the love and companionship of her late sister-in-law, Lena, who were mutually best friends. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Camille Napoli, and Virginia “Jean” and Joseph J. Aiello, Jr.; and her in-laws, Lillian Tufo, Alta and Joseph Fiorentino, Lena and Jerry Attili Sr., Fanny and Shorty Balderson, Leonard Mathew, Dominick Natali, Mary and Angelo Crescenzi, and Egidio Morgia. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Alicia DeTraglia who comforted Gloria, Sally O’Callahan, NP who was outstanding in her care and concern; the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for assisting the family and allowing Gloria to remain in her home. A special note of appreciation to Irene who was so kind and wonderful, Gloria’s nieces Lucy, JoAnn, and Michele for their unending support, as well as Rev. Joe Salerno and Deacon Bill Dischiavo for their blessings and prayers. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Gloria’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at the conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Gloria J. (Napoli) Morgia

July 1, 1931 - June 29, 2014