Mrs. Lena C. (Scalzi) Pepitone

Mrs. Lena C. (Scalzi) Pepitone, age 87, of North Utica, passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Petrona, Italy on July 12, 1923, Lena was the daughter of the late Philip and Frances (Bruni) Scalzi. As a young girl, she immigrated to Utica where she was raised and educated. On November 25, 1950 she was joined in marriage to Joseph W. Pepitone with whom she shared a beautiful union of 42 years prior to his passing on June 23, 1993. During her working life, Lena was employed as a Line Supervisor at the General Electric Company Broad Street Plant for over 12 years. She was then a Sales Associate at Neisner’s for over 10 years, and later held a position as a clerk at the F.W. Woolworth Company in downtown Utica for over 7 years, retiring in 1985. As the matriarch of her family, Lena was devoted to her son, daughter-in-law, and her siblings. She was meticulous and caring, and her home was her place of happiness and security. She enjoyed entertaining and offered her hospitality and her exceptional cooking to any guests that visited. Even though she could not drive, Lena was as active as anyone who could. She enjoyed reading, dominos, cards, arts and crafts, shopping, and vacationing. She was also an active member of the North Utica Senior Center and a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church. Lena is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Michelle Pepitone of Utica; and her “granddog Libby”. Survivors also include her sisters and brother-in-law, Rosemary Yero of Utica, Evelyn Malara of New Hartford, Elisa and Steven Schaffer of Utica; and leaves Licker the cat; many nieces and nephews, especially Carmelita Yero, and Kelly Yacco; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Rosemary Pepitone of Seneca Falls, and Mary Vore of Frankfort, and her loving and dear friend, Annette Flynn. She was predeceased by her infant brother, Dominick Scalzi; her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Anthony and Carmela Scalzi; her infant sister, Mary Scalzi; and her in-laws, John and Nick Pepitone, Giulla Pepitone, David Malara, Sr., Demetrio “Danny” Yero, and Dominick Vore. The family is thankful for the nurses and staff of the Aspen House of the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center, especially Maureen, who was with Lena from the day Lena became a resident. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Lena’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort.

Mrs. Lena C. (Scalzi) Pepitone

July 12, 1923 - December 4, 2010