Mrs. Leonora L. "Eleanor" (Barile) Pendasulo

UTICA – Mrs. Leonora L. “Eleanor” (Barile) Pendasulo, age 94, passed peacefully and with much dignity on Saturday, December 9, 2023, with her daughter, son, and grandchildren by her side. Born in Utica on March 9, 1929, Leonora was the daughter of the late Serafino and Mary (Pacciarelli) Barile. She attended Mary Street Elementary, and T.R. Proctor High School. In March 1952, Leonora married Paul J. Pendasulo. They were very much in love and treasured their beautiful beginning. Unfortunately, Paul was involved in a motor vehicle accident, which led him to be paralyzed, but Leonora's unwavering support never faltered. She devotedly cared for Paul, her parents, and their children. It was her willingness to “stand on her two feet,” that was truly an amazing feat. They shared 25 years together prior to Paul’s passing on July 13, 1977. Leonora accepted a position at Broadacres Skilled Nursing Facility, where she worked for 20 years, she was a nurse’s assistant, which qualified her work through a certificate program. Her coworkers and those she served held a special place in her heart, reflecting her innate desire to care for others. Vita and David were blessed to have such a wonderful mom who never put limits on her love. Leonora was also the cherished grandmother who so enjoyed doting on and caring for the grandchildren as opportunities presented themselves. It is obvious that the common thread in the fabric of her life was her desire to care for her loved ones, and it just seemed to come so easy to her. She was trustworthy, and a great confidant. She could stretch a dollar and save money for a rainy day! Honesty was another virtue, she spoke her mind, almost to a fault. Family was paramount and she poured strength into their lives. She was strong-willed, as well as having a beautiful personality. She kept a strict routine and was ardent to her commitments. Eleanor was “a classic,” and this value was recognized by her son-in-law, Chuck. Her beloved name “Nannie” traveled outside the family and some people didn’t even know her name! Eleanor found Utica to be her only residence, but when her daughter and son-in-law relocated, it was necessary for her to travel to Florida so that they could care for her. She would sit in the lanai watching the planes arrive and depart, and she so enjoyed the birds chirping and flitting about. She also knew the beauty of the Thousand Islands, where once again she just took in the serenity and the loving care of her family. Leonora was also known for her humor and was legendary for her quick comebacks. She was an avid baker, famous for her Cassatta at Easter, and loved teaching her grandchildren Amanda, Alecia and Pauly the art of baking of this Italian specialty. When life was a bit easier, she enjoyed reading and needlepointing, which were great pastimes for her. She was selfless, and raising her children, grandchildren, and the generation to follow was one of her greatest accomplishments. Additionally, she took great pride in her home, and that was her haven. Sweet memories of her sitting on her front porch at her Blandina Street home were so precious. She was devoted and trusted in the Lord. She prayed the rosary for her own intentions, as well as for the health and needs of others. When St. Anthony’s Church had any of their bus trips, she went with excitement, and also attended retreats in Skaneateles. Leonora was a lifelong member of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Leonora is survived by her loving daughter, Vita and Charles N. "Chuck" Gaetano, her favorite son, David A. Pendasulo and her beloved daughter-in-law, the late Robin Lola Pendasulo, who passed away July 6, 2022, and the cherished memory of her infant son, Paul Matthew Pendasulo. She leaves behind a legacy through her grandchildren, Heather Gaetano and Jason Krzemien, Charles A. Gaetano, II, Matthew and Jamie Gaetano, Elizabeth and Ron Winn; Paul and Chelsey Pendasulo, Amanda and Chad Ossont, Alecia Pendasulo, Butch and Audrea Sherman, and Bobby and Mindy Sherman. Her great-grandchildren, who she adored, will also carry her love and teachings forward. Leonora fondly remembered her siblings who preceded her, Julia T. and Jerry F. Piccione, Jr., Mary G. DeMetri, Jessica M. "Jessie" and Stanley Parkola, and Matthew J. Barile, She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Elizabeth A. Barile and fiancé Phil "Al" Bruzzese, Brian M. Barile, Juliann Skinner, Kathryn and Peter Dellerba, Nancy and Patrick Clark, Gregory M. and Karen DeMetri, and nieces and nephews of the Pendasulo family; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, including Lydia Zeggarelli; and her beloved sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Barile. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Antonio and Vita Marie Pendasulo. The family would like to thank the Troy household of the Masonic Care Community of NY for their kind and loving care that each staff member displayed to Leonora. Notably, at the time of her passing, the entire group of caretakers could not have been more consoling and respectful. Leonora’s family has chosen CABVI online at https://www.cabvi.org/ as their charity of choice, due to her vision impairments; envelopes will also be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Leonora's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Leonora L. "Eleanor" (Barile) Pendasulo

March 9, 1929 - December 9, 2023