Mrs. Lena T. (Mancuso) D'Amico

Mrs. Lena T. (Mancuso) D’Amico, age 94, of Utica, went home to join her husband when she passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at the Siegenthaler Center, surrounded by those who loved her most. Born in Utica on July 31, 1921, Lena was the daughter of the late Paul and Finita “Fannie” (Graziano) Mancuso. She attended T.R. Proctor High School, but her responsible nature placed her in a position to care for her siblings due to the untimely illness of her mother. It was during this period that Lena, a young woman in her teens, rose to the challenge and became the respected matriarch of the Mancuso family. On March 23, 1946, she married Leo V. D’Amico with whom she shared a true love that began when they were childhood sweethearts at Tebsherany’s Market on the corner of Mohawk and Rutger Streets. Their romantic feelings were conveyed through reciprocal love letters, appropriate for young people who were courting during the 1930’s. During their 47-year marriage, they supported each other every step of the way…. even though they were stubborn in their own way. Her beloved Leo passed away on January 17, 1994. At one time, Lena held a position at the Boston Store as a sales associate in the lingerie department. The remainder of her life was dedicated to caring for her husband, home, children, and grandchildren. She remembered and celebrated the birthdays and special achievements of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Blessed with a strong will and a strong mind, she was determined and dependable. She may have been unbending in some of her opinions, but she was always unwavering in her love. She was non-judgmental and welcomed conversation. Graced with a great sense of humor, she inspired laughter, often unintentionally. She used her own unique interpretation of life’s lessons laced with a kaleidoscope of lively language and vivid vocabulary. She maintained her fun-loving and youthful mindset and her charismatic personality well into her golden years. She was memorable. Traveling with her family was a new chapter in her life, and trips to California and Florida were truly enjoyable beyond her own belief. Sunsets were her favorite. She also appreciated a good dinner and savored desserts and sweets. She was a bargain shopper, sharing her purchases with those who needed them most. Lena was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. She prayed the rosary and lit candles for the intentions of friends and loved ones. Lena is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Eugene L. “Gene”, Sr. and Mary Ellen D’Amico of New Hartford. Always close to her heart were the memories of her children: her daughter, Leona D’Amico, who preceded her in death as a young child in 1952; and her son, James M. “Jim” D’Amico, who passed away on December 6, 2010. She will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Theresa E. D’Amico, James D. and Diane D’Amico; Eugene L. D’Amico, Jr. and Jennifer Nobles, and Christina D’Amico and Ryan Obernesser; and her great-grandchildren, Richard Farda, Leo Farda; Vincent, Isabella “Bella”, Gianna, and Elena D’Amico. She also leaves her sisters and brother-in-law, Gloria Mancuso, and Anita and Stanley Zurkowski; her brother, Lester Mancuso; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, Nancy Mancuso, and Gail Mancuso; friends who followed her life, Anna Fiorelli, and Lucia Borrometi; and her neighbors of Dudley Ave., especially Diana Bryant. She was also fond of the family pet, “Gigi”. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Jessie and Alfred Julian; her brother, Robert P. “Bobby” Mancuso; and her brother-in-law, Michael D’Amico. The family extends gratitude to Lena’s longtime and dedicated physician, Dr. George Kozminski, as well as his Nurse Practitioner, Carol Slawson; the staffs of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Progressive Care and Special Care Units who were so professional and pleasant; the “angels” at the Siegenthaler Center who cared for her and made her final days comfortable in a pleasant environment; and Deacon Paul Salamy who provided spiritual support and prayers for Lena and her family. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be considered to the Siegenthaler Center; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Lena’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Abe Esper. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Lena T. (Mancuso) D'Amico

July 31, 1921 - January 17, 2016