Julia F. "Julie" Mastrovito

UTICA – Julia F. “Julie” Mastrovito, age 93, went home to the Lord on Sunday, February 26, 2023. At the time of her passing she was in the hearts of those she loved the most. She was born March 28, 1929, in Utica, to the late Pietro and Maria (Tinelli) Mastrovito, who migrated from Martina Franca and Alberobello Italy. They met and were married at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church and settled in the Mohawk Valley because the beautiful hills and valleys reminded them of home. Julia was educated locally attending Albany Street School and then Proctor High School. Julia was a hard working woman employed for many years at the General Electric Company Radio Receiver Plant and then Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, where she was a Supervisor in the Coordination of Benefits Department. She was an energetic person being involved in several organizations, among those being: The Daughters of Columbus, The Italian Cultural Center and Museum where she was a board member, art coordinator, and also guided tourists through the museum teaching them the Italian culture, The Sons of Italy Lodge #2054 where she served as an Officer, Mistress of Ceremonies, Trustee, and played Queen Izabella in the Columbus Day Parade ~ also visiting several schools in costume. She especially enjoyed working “St. Nick’s Night” where she distributed clothing to the needy. Close to her heart was the St. Cosmo & St. Damiano Chapel Shrine on Kossuth Ave. whose roots came from the village her mother immigrated from, here she spent many hours maintaining the chapel and fighting to keep it perpetuated. She was a member of the MetLife Veterans Association, the American Legion Post #229 Auxiliary where she spent many happy hours with friends laughing and dancing, Woman of the Moose Chapter #142 where she spent many moments upon the dance floor with her friends, Member of I.A.M., and worked with the GED program. It was here that she became good friends with Lucretia Hunt. She also worked every election at the polls; she never missed the opportunity to be present to an election and cherished her right to vote even if her candidate did not win! Julie loved to travel and went on many vacations with her longtime friend Rose French. She was exceptionally proud of her Italian heritage and visited the home of her parents and relatives several times. Julie’s world revolved around her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love and devotion was immense and will always be cherished. Her children were her life and strength, her grandchildren were her soul and memories, and her great-grandchildren were her heart and smiles. She is survived by her devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Ken Williams, and Donna and David Ciufo; and her cherished son and daughter-in-law, Garry and Ann Spink; her cherished grandchildren, Dawn and Joseph Holub, Julie and Thomas Clark, USAF Master SGT. (Ret.) Joseph and Heather DeSantis of whom she was so very proud, Tarra and Mukesh Memula, Mark and Nicole Williams, Garry Jr. and Mirelle Spink, Adam (the candle light) DeSantis with whom she exchanged many life proverbs (the mirror that reflects the light) and his wife Cecilia, and Steven Spink; and additional grandchildren, Scott and Sheri Ciufo, and Nicole and Tyler Douglas. She also leaves several great-grandchildren, Thomas, Raymond and wife Kayla, Dustin, Anthony, Emma and husband Jonathan, Cheyenne, John, Izabella, Naveen, Russell, Anand, Sophie, and Callan, Keira, Owen, Silas, Jameson, Christopher, Darlene, and Ashlyn. She leaves two great-great-grandchildren, Cameron, and Spencer. As life has its unexpected moments, Julia’s brother, Frank J. Mastrovito, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023; may their souls be reunited in love and companionship in heaven. She also leaves her three nephews, Peter (also her Godson) and Ann Mastrovito, Frank and Maryann Mastrovito, and Robert and Trisha Mastrovito and their families. She is survived by numerous great-nephews, and great-nieces, especially remembering Audrey (Mastrovito) Dorn (March 5, 2022). She also leaves her extended loves, Sharon (her adopted daughter) and Greg Oczkowski and their son Michael; their friendship and love were a special part of her world. Also close to her heart were the children of her late friend Rosemary Velardi, Jacqueline Pepperine, Jamie Hopsicker (also her Godchild), Anthony Velardi, Dominick Velardi and their families. She leaves her cherished Godchild, Patricia Vendetti and her family of Schenectady. Left to remember her are many cousins residing in Italy whom she loved and enjoyed. She also leaves her lifelong friend and travel companion, Rose French and her family. She was predeceased by two infant siblings, Francesco, and Donata; her sister-in-law, Marie Mastrovito; her aunt and uncle who also were her Godparents, Antonio and Antoinette Gentile; and her lifelong friend who was like a sister, Rosemary Velardi. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kevin McCormick and the staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY, especially those of the Brooklyn Household. They felt so blessed to have staff who were especially compassionate and kind; special thanks to Patty, and Ebony. When she resided at Wiley Hall, she engaged in every activity possible, and that was just the way she lived her life. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Julia’s honor may be made to the Dementia Society of America online at https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Julia’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. For those unable to attend, the mass may be viewed live online at https://www.youtube.com/c/stmaryofmountcarmelblessedsacrament. Interment will take place in the family’s plot at St. Agnes Cemetery at their convenience. Friends who have passed before me, put on your dancing shoes. I’m coming! Arrivaderci Roma!

Julia F. "Julie" Mastrovito

March 28, 1929 - February 26, 2023