Lena L. (Perta) Ficarra

Mrs. Lena L. (Perta) Ficarra, age 95, a native of Utica and currently residing in Endicott, NY, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Ideal Senior Living Center in Endicott, NY where she had most recently resided. Born in Utica on August 22, 1914, Lena was the daughter of the late Orazio and Martina (Ricci) Perta. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On November 8, 1947 she married John A. Ficarra with whom she shared a blessed union of 44 years prior to his passing on January 19, 1992. During her working days, Lena was employed for over 10 years by Gorea Motor Express, Inc. as an accountant/cashier, and later from 1956-1980 by the Caruso Cheese Company as a bookkeeper and office manager. Lena took pride in her professional life and found joy in her family life. Her loved ones were the heart of her happiness and she was committed to caring for them. She had a loving bond with her grandchildren and served as a second mother to her siblings. During her spare time she enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She was a member of the Sons of Italy lodge, the Legion of Mary, and the 3rd Order of St. Francis. She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Lena is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marie and Robert G. Gomulka of Vestal, NY; her grandchildren, Robert John and Kerry Gomulka of Goshen, NY, and Christopher Joseph Gomulka of Syracuse; and her great-granddaughter, Ryann Marie Gomulka. Survivors also include her sister, Antoinette Ellsworth of N. Utica; her brother and sister-in-law, John and Lynn Perta of Powell, Ohio; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Angeline “Angie” Perta, Jenny Ficarra, Mildred Ficarra, Frank and Alice Ficarra, Carolyn Ficarra, and DeLourdes Hollis. She also leaves her dear friends, Kathy and Dan Pfaffenbach. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Dominick C. and Philomena Perta, and Peter A. Perta, Sr.; her sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Stuart Sweeney, and Rose Perta; and her in-laws, Jerry P. Ficarra, Charles E. Ellsworth, Anthony & Zifa Ficarra, Carmen Ficarra, and Angelo Ficarro. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the Ideal Senior Living Center in Endicott for the care they rendered to Lena. Visitation will be held Friday from 8:30-9:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Lena’s honor to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., Utica, NY 13501 or to the UHS Foundation-Ideal Senior Living Center, Mitchell Ave., Binghamton, NY 13903; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Lena’s funeral service will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Lena L. (Perta) Ficarra

August 22, 1914 - January 24, 2010