Mrs. Maria (D'Alessandro) Arcuri

Mrs. Maria (D’Alessandro) Arcuri, age 37, went peacefully to Heaven as she passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2015 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loved ones at her side. While her bereaved family mourns the loss of Maria’s life, they will rely on their faith to find the strength to go on, just as Maria’s faith gave her the fortitude to fight her illness. Born in New Hartford on December 28, 1977, Maria was the daughter of Vito and Vincenza (Casamento) D’Alessandro. Raised and educated locally, she attended Deerfield Elementary School and was a graduate of Whitesboro High School/Class of 1996. On August 24, 2002 she married Matthew J. Arcuri who stood by her side from that day to her last day - as her best friend and greatest love. They shared an amazing relationship and were inseparable. Maria's outgoing personality and congeniality served her well at every job she held including her family’s business, Casa Imports, Price Chopper in North Utica, and Cafe Canole. She had memories and heart-warming stories for all the fine places where she was employed. Most recently Maria was a licensed Zumba instructor at The Spot on Whitesboro Street, where she displayed her passion for fitness. Maria’s life was filled with laughter, kindness, happiness, and fun. She cherished her husband, Matt, and cared for him with a loving regard; together they held each other’s hearts and minds as one. Her whole world changed when she was blessed with children. She was a caring and loving mom, attending every event in her children’s lives. She was a sports mom whose unique whistle could always be heard from the side lines cheering on her children, who participated in Pop Warner Bulldogs football. She was also a special mom who could keep a secret and was always there, sometimes in “2 seconds”, literally; often called a “Helicopter Mom”! It was clear to her kids that her love for them was sacred and selfless. Maria could make the best of any situation and her smile warmed hearts and lit up a room. Parties and family gatherings were made better by her helpful nature. She was a hardworking person and the first to assist in making a task easier. The Blessed Mother and the Lord were ever present in Maria’s heart and she practiced her Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. She was a beacon of light for many, striving to bring everyone together in faith and closer to God. Maria was a gentle soul, a loyal confidante, and a person you were proud to know. Life will never be the same without her. Maria is survived by her husband, Matt and she will live on through her children, Matthew J. Arcuri, Jr., age 12, Vito M. Arcuri, age 9, and Adrianna M. “Sissy” Arcuri, age 8. She will always be remembered by her parents, Vito and Vincenza; her mother-in-law, Susan Arcuri; her sisters, Angela LaRosa of Utica, and Dawn M. and Chris Lasher of Grayson, GA; as well as their children, Vincenza (her goddaughter), Vito, and Mariella LaRosa; Gia, and Domenico (her godson) Lasher; her aunts and uncles, Philip and Laura Casamento, Rosalie and John Fornino, Vincent “Enzo” Casamento; John and Betty D’Alessandro, and Frank D’Alessandro; great-aunt, Zia Sr. Maria (Sister of Charity), and many cousins, all of whom shared a great closeness with Maria. She also leaves her in-laws, Mikey Gonzalez, Danielle and Mel Fargas and their children Giovanni, Nadia, and Giada (also her goddaughter). Maria loved many people, and she shared friendships with, Jim and Katie Doti, Mike and Jennifer DiBrango, Pino Chriaco, Mike Chmura, Anthony Spataro, Jaime Sangiacomo and Giordano Bevivino; but she shared a ‘best friend’ relationship with Dina Angotti and her husband Josh Angotti, and their children Gia (goddaughter) and Jason. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Nicola and Domenica D’Alessandro, and Vincenzo and Antonia Casamento; and her aunt, Susan Casamento. The family is grateful to Dr. Bernard Poiesz who was so accommodating, the nurses and staff of the Upstate Cancer Center who were compassionate to the needs of Maria as well as her family; Fr. Edmund Castronovo for his spiritual guidance and prayers; Jamie Temple and Corey Conley of CNYPC; Kourtney Cooper; and Ali Markason. The family would also like to acknowledge the support that was given by Maria’s mother-in-law, Susan, who encouraged her to endure her cross with courage and faith. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Maria's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital at www.upstate.edu. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Thursday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Committal services and Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, corner of Webster Avenue and Eagle Street.

Mrs. Maria (D'Alessandro) Arcuri

December 28, 1977 - July 4, 2015