Maria (Ficchi) Tedesco

Maria (Ficchi) Tedesco, forever 38, of Utica, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2011 at the Heritage Health Care Center with the comfort and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on June 7, 1966, Maria was the daughter of Philomena (Ciruzzi) and the late Vincent P. Ficchi, Sr. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a 1980 graduate of Utica Free Academy and also attended the Utica School of Commerce where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. She then pursued a nursing program at the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. Maria was employed as a supervisor at AFSA Data Corporation and APAC. She also held the position of operations supervisor at the Utica Observer-Dispatch, and later worked as a home health care aide. Maria was talented, needed, valued, and loved. There were times along her journey that tested her spirit deeply, but she never stopped believing in her inner strength. She was witty, outgoing, humorous, and everyone enjoyed being in her company. Maria’s personal philosophy was to always do a kind deed every day, and her love for animals was boundless. She was an excellent cook and well-known in her neighborhood for her famous sausage rolls and grape leaves. Maria was an avid NY Yankees fan and was known to the local kids as “Ma-fia”. For Maria, summer signaled the good times at Sylvan Beach and camping in Old Forge with her family. She also took great pleasure in visiting the State Fair, and autumn heralded her favorite holiday of Halloween. At one time she served on the Parent Advisory Board at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and was currently a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Maria is survived by her mother, Philomena “Phil” Ficchi of Utica; her daughter, Ashleigh Tedesco; her son, Anthony “Nino” Tedesco, both of New Hartford; and her grandson, Matao Frank. She also leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Regina and John Panzone of Barneveld; her brother, Vincent Ficchi of Utica; her beloved canine companions, Baja Rose, and Gio Armani. Her extended family includes her nieces and nephew, Laura, Julia, and John Panzone; many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and goddaughter, Kaycie Romano; the father of her children, Ken Tedesco; many dear and cherished friends that were especially close to her heart, Tina Iannone Novak who was her lifelong friend; Nick DeGiglio, Nel Nelson, and Irene Fediw. She was predeceased by her dear friend, Michelle Ermacor. The family is sincerely grateful to the nurses and staff of the Heritage Healthcare 7th floor and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for the empathy and excellent attention rendered to Maria. The caring hearts of her caregivers who walked with her family provided much peace. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the family to assist in furthering the education of Maria’s children; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Maria’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.