Lillian J. (Alfano) Tomaino

VALATIE, NY/NEW HARTFORD, NY – Lillian J. (Alfano) Tomaino passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, with her cherished family by her side, after a huge milestone of 103 years young. Born in Utica on February 3, 1921, Lillian was the daughter of the late Carmine and Angeline (Del Grande) Alfano. She was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. During World War II, Lillian worked as a secretary at Griffiss Air Force Base. On July 6, 1946, Lillian wed Anthony M. Tomaino. Their love grew over correspondence during the war, and they truly knew each other's hearts, remaining in love and connected throughout their time together. Lillian and Anthony shared 55 years together prior to his passing on December 22, 2001. In the 1980’s, Lillian found a new way to connect with people to help those around her. She became a school assistant at Higby Road Elementary School. Working revitalized her spirit and she adored her work with children. Lillian’s greatest priority was to be a mother and that brought her two beautiful children. She fostered the value of togetherness in her family and relished the times they spent together. Lillian was a meticulous homemaker. Her and Anthony’s home became the go-to place for many gatherings; they constantly made the comfort of all important and created traditions which made for many fond memories. Lillian was graced with a personality that was admired for her genuine kindness and her absolute inner and exterior beauty. She had such a deep faith, which was one of her legacies she bestowed upon her family. She consistently prayed for them and many others. Over her lifetime, Lillian amassed a library of books and a wealth of knowledge. She immersed herself in books of faith and the Spirit lived in her heart. She went through the journey of life with trust in the Lord and lived her life as child of God. Always thinking of others, Lillian often sent cards and notes to those she loved to uplift their souls. Lillian had a true affection for animals, especially her cockatiels, Nelson, who was followed by her Sweetie, and she possessed an affinity in her heart for cats and dogs that just seemed to flock to her. Lillian was an excellent gardener and longed to be close to the earth. She spent hours tending to her garden and the beautiful flowers and wonderful colors that inhabited her yard evidenced her skill. Not only did Lillian enjoy gardening with plants, but she was rooted in the rock gardens that she created amidst her home. Much of their family time was spent with “the in-laws,” which always made for fun and exciting times. She was truly inspired by those relationships. Easter was a special holiday for Lillian because it celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and renewed her connection with her faith. Lillian was a wonderful cook and baker who loved to share and receive recipes that allowed her to create her own dishes that soothed her palate. Lillian was blessed whenever she was in the House of the God. She knew the Lord’s Word and lived a very productive life because she believed. Lillian is survived by her beloved children and their loves, Lorraine and Tommy McTague, and Fredric “Fred” and Adele Tomaino; and grandchildren, Giacomo, and Theodoros “Theo” Tomaino. Lillian fondly remembered her siblings and their spouses who preceded her, Florence and Carl Pecheone, Mary and George Hoagland, Anna and Delos “Red” Thurston, Angeline Alfano, Patsy and Alice Alfano, and Carmen, Jr. and Margaret Alfano. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Lillian cherished the memories she shared with her dear friends, Helen and Richard “Dick” Ambord, and Philamena and Frank Convertino. Lillian was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Antonio and Adelina (Leone) Tomaino; and her in-laws, Ferdinand “Fred” and Dorothy Tomaino, Joseph A. and Teresa Tomaino, Frank and Theresa Tomaino, Dominick Tomaino, Mary Nucci, Angelina Tomaino, and Helen Krieck. The family will honor and commemorate Lillian’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lillian’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Lillian’s honor may be made to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society online at https://www.anitas-sshs.org/donate, or to the Thea Bowman House online at https://www.theabowmanhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Lillian J. (Alfano) Tomaino

February 3, 1921 - February 18, 2024