Mrs. Maria P. Colacicco

Mrs. Maria P. (Elacqua) Colacicco, age 58, was reunited with those who have gone before her, as she passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Marlborough Health Care Center with her devoted family by her side. Her passing occurred after a courageous battle with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a form of brain cancer. Born in Utica on December 7, 1956, Maria was the daughter of the late James F. and Mary (Chiarello) Elacqua. She graduated from T.R. Proctor High School in 1974 and subsequently attended M.V.C.C. where she received an Associate degree in Sociology. On June 7, 1980 she married Patrick J. “Pat” Colacicco with whom she shared 35 years in a very social and fun-filled loving, and compatible relationship. When Maria became ill, Pat did all he could to be the best advocate for his beloved wife. As they began their married life, they relocated to Connecticut where Maria embarked upon a 20-year career at HSBC Bank in the Equator Division, a position she truly loved and valued because it introduced her to so many wonderful co-workers. Maria also worked in her profession as a licensed Realtor for 10 years with Century 21 and the William Raveis Real Estate Company. She was the recipient of numerous awards for customer service and quality which was a reflection of the personal touch she brought to real estate sales. Maria served as president of the Eastern Central Board of Realtors in Connecticut and was a member of the Colchester Business and Industry Association. Maria loved life and worked so hard to please others, an endeavor that endeared her to everyone. She was a kind-hearted person who sported a warm smile, a keen mind, and an irresistible laugh that will be heard forever by those who loved her. Maria embraced the guiding principles of honesty, integrity, and passion in all her pursuits. As a mom, she catered to her children with an open heart, always ready to listen and make things right! She adored them and supported their life choices, never criticizing their ideas and intentions. She was grateful that God graced her life with two terrific children and a partner who was her best friend. A connoisseur of Italian cooking, her recipes and ingredients were a true reflection of her mom’s old-world cooking style and the meals she presented were savored by family and friends. Maria enjoyed hobbies, especially arts and crafts. She was a collector of Precious Moments figurines and Christmas artifacts and heirlooms that tastefully decked her home during the holidays. She tended to her floral gardens and outdoor plants with pride, and along with her husband, she maintained and beautified their home and yard which was a gathering place for neighbors and friends. She supported the activities of her children when they were in school and was a member of the Bacon Academy Friends of Football booster club and showing her social flare, she gathered the neighbors of Apple Lane and established a Social Club that created lasting memories for all. She was a communicant of St. John Fisher Parish in Marlborough, Connecticut. May we all learn that Maria lived every day as a gift and did it with purpose and passion. Maria passed after spending a well lived life on this earth because of the relationships she shared with her husband, Pat; her daughter and son-in-law, Danielle M. and Matthew “Matt” Organek of Portland CT; and her son, Paul A. Colacicco of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She also leaves her aunts and uncles, Anthony Elacqua, Congetta Elacqua, Augustine DeCarlis and Claude Rauhaiser, and Joanne and Joseph Barbero; and several generations of cousins. Maria was blessed with the love of a second family; her father-in-law, Erminio Colacicco; in-laws, Dominick P. and Carole Colacicco of Cicero, Nancy A. and Matthew Stellato of Los Angeles, CA, Patricia “Tricia” and David Caruso of Utica; her nieces and nephews, Nicholas and Sarah Colacicco, Ashley and David Cocquyt, twins Alex Stellato, and Geena Stellato; great-nephews Dominick and Robert; and aunt Tillie (Vizzacaro) Ruben. She will be greeted by her mother-in-law, Nancy Colacicco, who preceded her in death in March of 2015. She was also blessed with many longtime and loyal friends with special mention of Lorraine Legnani, Nancy Jacobs, and the ladies of Apple Lane, Betty, Marie, Laura, Jocelyn, and Gen. She will be missed by her terrier, Bella, who was always by her side awaiting a treat. She was predeceased by her aunts and uncles. The family extends sincere thanks to Maria’s physicians, Dr. Inam Kureshi, Dr. Alexandra Flowers, Dr. Michael Lawlor, Dr. Mandeep Kumar, Dr. Patrick Troy, and Dr. Meghan Train for their outstanding personal concern for Maria and their professional advice; the nurses and aides of the 8th, 9th and 11th floors at Hartford Hospital for their compassionate care; the Nursing staff, Emeka, Patty, Britani, Alicia, Leslie, Chris, Jessica, Jesse, Sunhee, Karen and aides, Maxine, Laurie, Kathy, Samantha, Rachel, Jessie, Yannie, Erika and Rose of the Marlborough Health Care Center who were so wonderful and comforting to her loved ones; they were like extended family in their devotion and constant care for Maria; and special friends, Anita, Jen, Tracy, and Lance for their frequent visits that lifted Maria’s spirits. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., Utica, NY, corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial donations may be made to the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, Hartford Hospital, Attn: Fund Development, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102 or on-line at http://giving.harthosp.org.; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attended Maria’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place privately in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Maria P. Colacicco

December 7, 1956 - October 24, 2015