Janice M. Cerullo

Janice M. Cerullo, age 57, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family and friends. Janice was diagnosed with lung cancer 3 months ago and she fought the disease with great strength and her characteristic humor. Born on January 15, 1956, Janice was the daughter of the late Frank “Whitey”, Jr. and Marie C. (LaBella) Cerullo. She was raised and educated locally, a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1974. Janice was a dedicated worker at the Stonebridge Golf & Country Club for 23 years and currently was employed by the Utica City School District as an Assistant Custodian at John F.Kennedy Jr. High School. Janice loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was blessed with many cherished friends, at times putting them before herself. Whether she was at her job or at her leisure, Janice consistently was a good hearted, strong-spirited friend and kind soul who always tried to make the best of a bad situation. She was a straight talker and provided many people with indelible memories of her laughter and unique humor. Her presence will be missed by everyone whose hearts she touched. Please smile when you think of Janice. Janice is survived by her sister, Joyce C. Cerullo of Utica who she cherished and always looked up to; her aunts, Lucy Sageer, and Ann C. LaBella; several cousins; her extended family that consisted of many treasured friends and the Gene and Frank Carcone families who treated her as if she were part of their family; and the love of her “chosen sister”, Suanne Pristera. Janice was a lover of dogs, especially her “Harley Ann”. She will be welcomed home by her maternal grandparents, Rocco, Sr. and Elvira LaBella; paternal grandfather, Frank Cerullo, Sr; and her uncles, Rocco C. LaBella, Jr., and John A. Sageer. The family extends appreciation to Dr. Alicia DeTraglia for her compassion, patience, and honesty; the nurses and staff of the 6th Floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center who were angelic in caring for Janice; and the awesome personnel of the Regional Cancer Center who were outstanding and upbeat while treating her. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Janice’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please refrain from flowers. Through the gracious kindness of her many friends and the community, a benefit for Janice was scheduled for October 13, 2013 at the Stonebridge, and it is with great sorrow that it will be cancelled. Graveside services and Inurnment will take place at the convenience of the family.

Janice M. Cerullo

January 15, 1956 - August 31, 2013