Mrs. Madeline P. (Russo) Ciriaco

Mrs. Madeline P. (Russo) Ciriaco, age 90, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2016 in the comfort of her home with her loving family at her side. Born in Utica on April 1, 1926, Madeline was the daughter of the late Dominick and Angeline (Lubertine) Russo. At one time, she was married to the late Nicholas D. Ciriaco who passed away on January 30, 1986. In her earlier days, Madeline was proud of her position as an usherette at the former Family Movie Theater. At one time, she also held a baker’s position at Hathaway & New York Bakeries. She subsequently worked at Met Life, the position from which she retired as a supervisor. Her ultimate role in life was performed in her later years as she tended to and offered her love to her grand“son” Richard Anthony. As the matriarch of her family, Madeline was selfless and devoted. Blessed with a benevolent nature, she was always available to help others. She was steadfast and loyal to all of her loved ones, and deeply involved and concerned for their happiness and health. They were the core of her existence. Madeline had tremendous strength of will which allowed her to overcome life’s obstacles with grace. She enjoyed the simple things in life including crossword puzzles, game shows, and soap operas. She also enjoyed the excitement of “scratch-off” tickets and family trips to the Casino. She practiced her Catholic faith at Historic Old St. John’s Church. Madeline is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Angela “Angie” and Richard Biggs of Utica; her grandson and his wife, Richard and Tina Biggs of Marblehead, MA; her great-granddaughter, Madison Catherine Biggs; and her sister, Lena Palumbo of Rome, NY. She also leaves her nieces, especially acknowledging Madeline (her namesake with whom she shared a loving adoration) and Matt Barlow, Marian (who she loved like a daughter) and Mike Sturr, and Lydia Grace Schafer who brought entertainment to Madeline and love and joy to her heart; and her nephews, cousins, and extended family, Peggy Biggs, and Melanie Miller. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Nicholas D. and Lavinia Russo, Samuel L. Sr. and Eleanor Russo, and Dominick Russo, Jr.; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Angeline and Jeremiah Testa, and Marion and Louis LaPolla; her brother-in-law, Joseph Palumbo; and members of the Ciriaco family. The family extends thanks to the members of the Special Care Unit at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially Alyssa, Jen, David, Taylor, and Marie for their compassionate care; Rev. Anthony P. LaFache, Chorbishop John Faris, Deacon Paul Salamy, and Fr. Amedeo Guida for their spiritual guidance; as well as Maria and Rich Salamida for their prayerfulness and loving support. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Madeline’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. Amedeo Guida. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Madeline P. (Russo) Ciriaco

April 1, 1926 - August 4, 2016