Mrs. Joann E. (Wortendyke) Sgaglione

Mrs. Joann E. (Wortendyke) Sgaglione, age 79, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2012 in the comfort of her home with her devoted family by her side. Born in East Orange, New Jersey on April 9, 1933, Joann was the daughter of the late Rynier D. and Agnes (Clune) Wortendyke. After receiving her primary education in East Orange, she relocated to the Schenectady area where she fulfilled her high school education. She furthered her studies by attending college in East Orange. At one time, she was wed to Fred T. Yezzi. She was blessed with a second union when she married Alphonse “Al” Sgaglione on May 14, 1970. As a wife, she was Al’s soul mate, and the feeling was reciprocal. They loved each other wholeheartedly and shared a special bond. Joann was employed by the Utica City Water Board, and she also worked for the County Summer Youth Program. She relished her role at the summer program because she loved working with children. She went beyond her call of duty, always trying to provide for them in a beneficial way. As a mom, she was protective of her children and grandchildren, and her ultimate concern was always for the well-being of the family. In a larger light, Joann was very giving and caring, and always available to lend assistance to those in need. Joann was proud of and vibrantly celebrated her Irish heritage. She was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Joann is survived by her husband, Al; her daughter, Tia L. Yezzi of Boston; her son, John A. Sgaglione of Utica; her step-daughters, Lucille Trivisonno of NJ and her son Joseph, Marie and Martin “Marty” Cohen of White Plains and their children David, Jessica, and Rebecca, Judy Sgaglione of CT and her son Jacob, and Carol Sgaglione, of NY; and her grandchildren, Marissa, Taylor, and Vincent and his mother, Jacqueline Vatalaro. She also leaves her sister Mary “Midge” Barnes of Schenectady; her brother and sister-in-law, John and Daphne Wortendyke of FL; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, brother-in-law Michael Sgaglione of Long Island; and her beloved dog Metty. She was predeceased by her brothers Rynier Wortendyke, Nicholas Wortendyke, and Allan Debevose. The family is grateful to the 5th Floor staff and the ICU personnel at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their care and compassion; and Hospice & Palliative Care for the love and professionalism they extended to Joann. The family will honor Joann’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. is providing the guidance in lighting the path as the Sgaglione family commemorates Joann’s life.

Mrs. Joann E. (Wortendyke) Sgaglione

April 9, 1933 - November 4, 2012