Mrs. Lillian Lola (Vitullo) Mazzotta

UTICA- Mrs. Lillian Mazzotta, 93, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2018, at the Masonic Home in Utica, NY. Lillian’s caring nature and attention to the needs of others was well known and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Lillian was born in Utica, NY on February 2, 1924 to Augustino and Mamie Vitullo. As a young adult, she worked in her father’s clothing shop, A. Vitullo’s. She completed her baccalaureate degree in pre-med studies at Syracuse University, and then was chosen as one of a handful of women to enter its medical school. She later transitioned her studies and subsequently obtained a Master’s Degree in biology and education, also from Syracuse University. Upon completion of her graduate degree, she went on to teach science and math at Kernan Elementary School and Proctor High School. Throughout her lifetime, Lillian sought out many volunteer opportunities, such as teaching health to teen-age girls and serving on the board at The Neighborhood Center in Utica, as well as participating on the Visiting Nurses Association Board Committees. In 1951, Lillian married Carmen Mazzotta of Utica, a pharmacist who served residents in West Utica as owner of Carm’s Pharmacy on Varick Street. They raised six children: Carmen (Amy), Carmella, and Thomas (Mary), of the Albany area; John (Andrea) and Vincent (Charlene), of Southern California; and Mary Beth of Miami Beach. A nephew, Thomas Mazzotta, of Whitesboro was regarded as another “son”. Lillian often boasted how blessed she was to have wonderful daughters-in-law, ten loving grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Lillian is predeceased by her brother, Anthony Vitullo and his wife, Marie. Her sole surviving sibling, Angela Vitullo -Alessandroni, lives with her family in Rome, Italy. Also among her survivors are Dolores Mazzotta, her sister-in law, of New Haven, Connecticut, as well as twelve beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the caring and wonderful staff at the Masonic Home for all that they did, on their mother’s behalf. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lillian’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, in Utica, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Art Krawczenko. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Neighborhood Center Inc., 624 Elizabeth Street, Utica, NY 13501.

Mrs. Lillian Lola (Vitullo) Mazzotta

February 2, 1924 - January 21, 2018