Mrs. Lydia (Gelfuso) Grzesiak

Mrs. Lydia A. (Gelfuso) Grzesiak, age 79, of Utica, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2012 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her devoted family by her side. Born in Utica on November 30, 1932, Lydia was the daughter of the late Dominick and Mary (Guidolotti) Gelfuso. She was raised and educated locally. On May 1, 1954 she married Frank S. Grzesiak with whom she shared 45 years prior to his passing on August 1, 1999; Lydia knew Frank’s care and devotion, and together they raised their family in accordance with their mutual values, traditions, and love. At one time, Lydia worked at the Mele Manufacturing Company. Subsequently, she was a longtime associate at Smith Laundry & Dry Cleaning until her retirement. She possessed a great work ethic and she served as a great inspiration to her children to this day. Lydia was a grand woman who was non-judgmental and had an open-door policy in her home. As a mother, she felt blessed to bestow her love and respect to her children, and in return, they reciprocated these values in her time of need. Her children carry beautiful memories of a great childhood and the relationship she shared with them as adults. She was a treasured mother and will continue to guide their lives through her legacy and live on in their hearts always. Lydia looked forward to holiday times that were filled with the joy of family harmony and preparation of food and traditions. She liked traveling locally with family and appreciated all the wonderful New York State highlights. She also enjoyed the special trips to Martha’s Vineyard. These were memorable times in Lydia’s life. She was a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge now known as the Italian Heritage Club of the Mohawk Valley where she had fun playing bingo and networking with her friends. As a woman devoted to her Catholic faith, Lydia often recited the Rosary which was a source of comfort to her. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and the St. Rosalia Society. Lydia is survived by her children who were her devoted caregivers: daughters, Frances Coccagnia of Frankfort, Anna Shaut with whom she resided, Marie Grzesiak, and Carol Grzesiak, all of Utica; her sons, Frank Grzesiak, Jr. and Mary Ann Robbins, and Patrick “Pat” Grzesiak, all of Utica, and the memory of her son-in-law, David Coccagnia, who preceded her in death. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Nicole Coccagnia; and Taylor Shaut; her sister, Sylvia Gelfuso of NY Mills; and her brother, Roger Gelfuso of Utica. She also knew the love of Mary Ann’s children, Misty and Aaron Fuller and their children, and Donnie Robbins. Her extended family includes many nieces and nephews including Michael, and Christine Grzesiak; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins especially Wayne and Michele Dylis, and Frank and Barbara Dylis; her longtime and childhood friend, Helen Durso; and her canine companion, “Brinkley”. She was predeceased by her brother, Vito Gelfuso, and a special uncle, Angelo Guidolotti. The family sends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Toby Taylor and his nurse, Diane Sardelli and staff; they were so kind, gentle, and accommodating; Dr. Dilip Kachare who followed Lydia’s progress through Rehabilitation; the Carmelite Sisters and Administrators of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, especially Nurse Practitioner Sister Patricia who are true caregivers; the staff of the Visiting Nurse Association, Faxton-St. Luke’s ICU and CCU, St. Elizabeth Medical Center ICU, Special Care, and Ambulatory Surgery Staff, as well as the Utica Fire Department Rescue One, and Kunkel Ambulance Service. All of the above professionals tended to Lydia’s needs with the utmost compassion, consolation and respect. The family also felt the support and love of the following friends who they wish to acknowledge for their kindness: Patricia Aiken, Mark Ambrosi, Ray Lamanna, Stanley and Sue Badger, Rich Chapple, Morris and Kaylee Stevens, Pat Delett, Kim Pinto, Louie and Fran LaFache, and Joseph Baungart. Lydia’s family gathered privately to celebrate her life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lydia’s funeral service which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the St. Joseph Nursing Home Rehabilitation Unit; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. is providing the guidance in lighting the path for the Grzesiak family in commemorating Lydia’s life.