Lucille B. (Mercurio) Gerace

Mrs. Lucille B. (Mercurio) Gerace, age 78, of North Utica, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center following a long illness. Born in Rome, NY on December 12, 1929, Lucille was one of fourteen children born to the late Bruno and Anna (DeSantis) Mercurio. She was raised in Rome and attended local schools. In May of 1946 she married Anthony Colenzo who passed away in 1969. She was blessed with a second union in February of 1971 when she married Joseph Gerace who passed away in 1973. Lucille’s primary responsibility in life was the care and upbringing of her children and grandchildren. An outgoing and compassionate woman, she loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was respected and loved by her neighbors, and they could always count on her in times of need. She loved music and took pleasure in watching game shows with her children and grandchildren. She always looked forward to visiting with her family and friends on trips to the casino. She was a past member of the Sons of Italy Lodge and was a faithful parishioner of St. Mark’s Church where she developed a close spiritual relationship with Father Lucian. Lucille is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia (Colenzo) and Tom Artessa of CT.; her sons and their families, Andrew and Jan Colenzo of Marcy, and Frank D. Gerace of N. Utica and Sherri Callahan; and her grandchildren, Fred Artessa, Jr. and fiancée, Dawn Fitzgerald, Jason Colenzo, and Jessica Colenzo. Lucille also leaves behind Theresa, who was considered a daughter, and her husband David Thompson and their children Matthew and Michael, all of MA; three sisters, Yolanda Stramaglia, of CT, Anna Mae Malizia of FL, and Dolores Spado of Rome, NY; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and many cousins and in-laws. She will also be missed by her dear friends. She was predeceased by many brothers and sisters, and their spouses. The family expresses sincere thanks to all family members and friends for their continued support and love for Lucille. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Lucille’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Mark’s Church in North Utica where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Lucille B. (Mercurio) Gerace

December 12, 1929 - April 13, 2008