Mrs. Irene A. "Rene" (Roback) Paniccia

MARCY, NY – Mrs. Irene A. “Rene” (Roback) Paniccia, age 83, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. She went home to be with the Lord and her late husband while in the comfort of her home. Born in Utica, NY on July 14, 1938, Irene was the daughter of the late Michael and Josephine (Topolski) Roback. She graduated from Utica Catholic Academy in the Class of 1956. Irene married her true love and lifetime partner Alfred J. “Red” Paniccia, Jr. on May 23, 1959 at Holy Trinity Church in Utica. The couple was blessed to share 62 wonderful years together in a mutually devoted relationship, before Alfred’s passing on August 5, 2021. Irene cherished her late husband’s memory, holding it close to her heart, as her grief was overwhelming after Alfred’s passing. Irene and Alfred were faithful, adoring soulmates, and the family is now comforted to know they are together and happy again as they start a new beginning of their true love story. ♥ During her early years, Irene worked at Berger’s Department Store as a Switch Board Operator. A loving matriarch, Irene was known for her unselfish, adoring love, devotion and generosity to all. She is remembered fondly for being an exceptionally giving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother and a pillar of strength for everyone she loved as she constantly prioritized their needs over her own. Irene created a secure and sensitive place for her children, always offering her gentle and quiet presence to her loved ones, which eased any obstacle that arose. Irene was an extraordinary woman with a sharp mind. She could recount detailed memories of special days and events while whizzing through word searches and crossword puzzles. Always ready to respond with a quick quip, her witty words were heartfelt and sincere. Above and beyond her devotion to family and friends, in her early years Irene’s compassion and kindness led her to volunteer for many years at St. John’s Catholic School in New Hartford, Boy Scouts of America, and as an Election Inspector for the Oneida County Board of Elections. She was pleasant and gracious in maintaining her home and fostered a loving and caring environment where her family could thrive. An excellent cook and inspiration in the kitchen, Irene especially enjoyed whipping up Italian delicacies for Alfred and her family. When she was not caretaking or maintaining her home, Irene enjoyed many years of traveling and camping in the Adirondacks with Alfred. Additionally, Irene was a sports fan! Her passion for the New York Mets dates back to the 1960’s where she first began her love of baseball. After only a few years, Irene discovered her affection for the Utica Comets, as well as NHL Hockey. Irene was also very creative enjoying many hobbies such as crafting, crocheting, and harvesting the fruits of Alfred’s renowned vegetable garden. She enjoyed 1950’s music and in particular, was a huge Neil Diamond fan. A genuine saint, Irene believed in the Catholic Creed and was a parishioner at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church in Utica, NY. Irene is survived by her children and their loves, Michael A. Paniccia and Thien Hong, Melanie A. Collandra and Daniel Mahaffy, and Mark A. Paniccia and Lori Francis; as well as her grandchildren, Rena P. Collandra, and Matthew J. Collandra. Irene will be fondly remembered by her brothers, Raymond and wife Joanne Roback, and Ronald and wife Kathy Roback. She held close to her heart her brothers and sister-in-laws who preceded her, Henry J. “Hank” and Ellie Roback, Edward and Helen Roback, and Chester and Frances Roback. Irene leaves behind her in-laws, Rose Minarchi, Richard Paniccia, Phyllis DuRoss, Rosemary Paniccia, Rocco and Jan Paniccia, and Marie Arellanes. Irene was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alfred J. Sr. and Philomena (Moreno) Paniccia; as well as her in-laws, Samuel R. Paniccia, Delores Paniccia, William Minarchi, and Joseph Arellanes. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Eannace Funeral Home Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Irene’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning, January 31, 2022 at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St., where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Regardless of vaccination status, face masks are required to remain in compliance with the state and county mask order. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery, 2407 Oneida St., Utica, NY.

Mrs. Irene A. "Rene" (Roback) Paniccia

July 14, 1938 - January 19, 2022