Mrs. Jennie A. (DeRusso) DiPerna

Mrs. Jennie A. (DeRusso) DiPerna, age 101, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 20, 2015 in the comfort and dignity of her home. Born in Utica on March 15, 1914, Jennie was the daughter of the late Alessandro and Mary (Branca) DeRusso. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1932. After graduation, Jennie accepted a job as Secretary to the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services for Oneida County. She held this position for 45 years serving under five Commissioners, retiring in her mid-sixties. She had a progressive personality that made her accepting and amenable to the political and policy changes that came as the decades passed. On November 13, 1948 she married Joseph L. DiPerna, Sr.; they were truly in love with each other and shared a commitment to their family. They enjoyed traveling to Florida in winter for a number of years. He passed away on June 14, 2007. Jennie was a dignified, amazing woman. She was independent, determined, and strong in the face of adversity. Her wit and wisdom were complemented by her kindness and compassion. She lived her life with grace and gentility, attributes that afforded her many friendships, several of them lifelong. She was extremely accepting with never a harsh word for anyone, and her ethics and decency were in perfect balance with her personality. Friends and family turned to her for her loving, sound advice. She was ladylike in her manners but was willing to stand up for her rights and moral beliefs. Family values were important in Jennie’s generation and she passed that torch to her loved ones. A woman of many talents, she was also a dessert aficionado. Jennie loved holiday time, travel time, and any time that she was with family. But the best and most blessed times were those she shared with her grandson, Joey. She relied upon him and adored him. They shared a special relationship and the memories they made will remain with Joey forever. Jennie was an avid reader of mysteries, especially the novels of Agatha Christie and Mary Higgins Clark. Any knowledge she acquired was important not only for her own edification, but to humbly pass it on to everyone in her life. She was a member of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church and had in her heart a great devotion to St. Anthony and the Blessed Mother. Jennie is survived by her daughter, Janet M. Adamczyk of Utica; her son, Joseph L. DiPerna, Jr. of Sarasota, Florida; and her adored grandson, Joseph M. Adamczyk of Utica. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Marilyn DiPerna, her goddaughter for whom Jennie was like a second mother; her great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially Joanne Rossini, and her son David of San Francisco, and Palma DeSarro, both of whom she truly appreciated; in-laws, Enrico “Rick” and Mary DiPerna; her best friend, confidant, and travel buddy, Kathryn Shaffer, with whom she spoke daily; and her caregiver and friend, Marlene Bach; because of her attention Jennie was able to stay at home. She was predeceased by her twin siblings, brother, Angelo and his wife Margaret DeRusso; and sister, Theresa and her husband Frank J. DiPerna. She was also preceded by her nephew Anthony DeRusso; in-laws Rose Calo, Rocco and Lucy DiPerna, Frances DiPerna, Elizabeth DiPerna, Anthony and Helen DiPerna, and Susan and Vincent Ciaccia; and her cousin Ann Heinrich. The family extends sincere appreciation to the Utica Police Department, including Officer Stanley Rejrat and Sergeant Michael D’Ambro for their support and compassion during a difficult moment. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Jennie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will take place graveside at Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Jennie A. (DeRusso) DiPerna

March 15, 1914 - July 20, 2015