Jennifer N. (Cavallaro) Candido

N. UTICA – Jennifer N. (Cavallaro) Candido passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the age of 73, after fighting her battle like a warrior and in the comfort and dignity of her home, surrounded by those she loved. Born in Utica on September 18, 1952, Jennifer was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary (Angrisano) Cavallaro. She attended Brandegee Elementary School and was a proud graduate of T. R. Proctor High School, Class of 1970. On May 5, 1973, she was united in marriage with Alfred Candido, Jr. and from that union came the blessing of their beloved daughter, Brandi Ann. They are proudest of the blended family they created to eventually include Debbie, especially after being blessed with their precious granddaughter, Alexis Nicole. Jennifer dedicated 32 years to JCPenney, where she built a respected career in the jewelry department as management. She took pride in her work, developed deep knowledge of fine jewelry, and truly enjoyed creating a welcoming, elegant space for customers. The professionalism and style she became known for at work extended far beyond fine jewelry, as Jennifer prided herself on being the face of Penney’s and a central cog in the family she built in a store that she loved. Her best years were said by her to be during the 1990s, when she truly came into her own and became the best version of herself—she “arrived,” a phrase that could be used to describe her growth, maturity, and personal successes. Jen was one of the hardest workers, but she also made time to “play” hard, too! She was an accomplished bowler in her heyday and participated in leagues several nights a week. Achieving a high score of 268, she was known for her talent and competitive spirit, especially to those at Pin-O-Rama lanes where she could be seen quite often. When she wasn’t bowling, Jen enjoyed many nights spent on the dance floors of favorite places like The Waterfront and the Ramada Inn, where the disco music was loud and an occasional jitterbug was performed. Jen also loved a good casino, and would take a trip anywhere as long as there was a Keno machine to be played. Some of her favorite memories with her mother, family and friends were from trips to Vegas, Del Lago, Atlantic City and the Turning Stone. A die-hard fan, Jen also spent numerous hours watching just about any sport, but was most passionate for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bulls, and North Carolina Tar Heels, for which she would find any opportunity to represent her teams with some sort of swag. The only sports she loved more were the ones she proudly watched her granddaughter, Alexis, participate in. Jen quickly became an enthusiast of women’s sports like basketball, softball, rugby and even cross-country because of this. Jennifer was a woman whose life was shaped by the unwavering strength and wisdom of the women who raised her, but don’t overlook that she was a self-proclaimed daddy’s girl. Surrounded by that circle of care, she grew into a guiding light for her daughter, Brandi, who she raised to become her best friend. Now, Jennifer’s legacy lives on in her granddaughter, Alexis, who embodies the lessons taught through the love, resilience, and quiet power of women who guide each generation. Brandi’s wife, Kim was embraced by Jennifer’s heart and brought another special extension of family and friendship, especially with Kim’s parents Donna and Bob. Family was everything to Jennifer and her home was a place of positive energy where everyone was welcomed to gather and enjoy without judgment. Her love for family started in childhood and extended beyond her home with her grandmother, parents, brother and sisters to include her aunts, uncles and beloved cousins. She eventually grew her definition of family to include those chosen friendships she couldn’t live without. She gave her all to her “squad”, and her strength, wit, and wisdom carried many through life. She embraced her Catholic faith which was an integral part of her life and love of the church, especially St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament, which has always felt like home. Jennifer is survived by her daughter, Brandi and her wife, Kim “Sully” Candido. She was also blessed with her beloved granddaughter, Alexis Nicole Candido, and Alexis’s fiancé, Zachary Cormier, who she couldn’t wait to welcome as her “official” grandson. She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings and their spouses, Nicholas and Nicolette Cavallaro; Geri and Allen Kazmerski, and Joann and James Riccardi, Jr.; nieces and nephews, Dana and Dr. Luciano Iorizzo; Ander Kazmerski and Dr. Casey Zampella; and Jimmy III and Amanda Riccardi; great-nieces and great-nephews, Daniel, Lydia, Charlotte, and Noah; aunts, Caren Angrisano, and Norma Angrisano; and in-laws, Donna and Robert Sullivan. Jennifer also leaves behind a village of people whom she honored and loved so much, especially Cathy, Sue, Chip, Jess, Judy, and Marie, with whom she maintained golden friendships that stood the test of time — and they loved her deeply in return. She was predeceased by her aunts and uncles, Josephine and Walter Parzych, Jack J. Angrisano, Sr., Nicholas Angrisano, and her dear friend, Sarah Kelly. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to oncologist Dr. Sultana Razia and her staff at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, as well as the staff of the infusion room; to the Wynn Hospital Radiology Team, especially Dr. Kenneth Murphy; to the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.; and to Mrs. Diane Boots, End-of-Life Doula. Each of these individuals walked with Jennifer through her final journey with absolute compassion and dignity. Her family remains deeply grateful. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Jennifer has requested people celebrate in joy instead of sadness and challenges everyone to don their favorite red clothing or sports gear when you visit. In lieu of floral offerings, it would be Jennifer’s wish that memorial contributions in her honor be considered to the following organizations, ICAN online at ican.family/ways-to-give/, the Utica Children’s Museum online at www.uticachildrensmuseum.org, the 21 Club of Central New York online at www.the21club.org/donate, or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. online at www.hospicecareinc.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jennifer’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery alongside her beloved parents.

Jennifer N. (Cavallaro) Candido

September 18, 1952 - April 22, 2026