Maria "Mary" (Paratore) Ciruzzi

Mrs. Maria "Mary" (Paratore) Ciruzzi, age 94, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2005, at the St. Joseph Nursing Home with her loving family by her side. Born in Frankfort, NY on March 11, 1911, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (Grippe) Paratore. She was raised in Frankfort and received her education in a one-room schoolhouse there. On September 24, 1932 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, she married Anthony J. Ciruzzi, with whom she shared a devoted union of almost 40 years prior to his passing on May 2, 1972. Mary was first employed with the Oneita Knitting Mills. During World War II she worked for a period of time at the Winship Co. where she took great pride in making equipment for our soldiers. Her last place of employment was the Joseph & Feiss Co. In addition to these positions, she also accepted assignments in the field of Home Care. As a loving woman and an excellent mother, Mary was most content when she was caring for the needs and happiness of her family. She considered her loved ones to be the foremost priority and the major purpose of her life. Gifted with a big heart and a generous nature, Mary was a hard worker throughout her entire life, always ready to give of herself without hesitation. In addition to her family, she also loved tending her house and her garden. At one time a communicant of St. Francis De Sales Church and also of St. Anthony of Padua Church, she has been a parishioner of St. Joseph's Chapel at the St. Joseph Nursing Home for the past 6 1/2 years. Mrs. Ciruzzi is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Philomena "Phil" and Vincent Ficchi, Sr. of Utica; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Paul A. and Jeanie Ciruzzi of Deerfield, and Joseph Ciruzzi of San Diego, CA; and her grandchildren, Dr. Regina and John Panzone of Barneveld, Maria Tedesco, Vincent Ficchi, both of Utica, Michele Reilly of Plainfield, IL, Paula and Jeff Malecki of Cicero, NY, Michael Ciruzzi, Jonathon Ciruzzi, and Audrey Ciruzzi, all of CA. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Laura, Julia, and Johnny Panzone; Ashleigh and Anthony Tedesco; Kayleigh and Madison Reilly; Courtney Comenale; and Marisa Malecki. In addition, Mary's survivors include six sisters, Rosina Leonardi of FL, Fannie Bono of Frankfort, Florence DeGristina of St. Johnsville, NY, Sara Spina of Utica, Constance "Tina" Romano of Syracuse, and Marian Arena of FL; a brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Mary Paratore of Utica; many nieces, especially acknowledging Gina Paratore, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and her brother-in-law, John Percola of Utica. She also leaves many dear friends, including Sophie Wolanski, Rae Saraceno, and Frances Barberio; as well as the many residents and staff members of the St. Joseph Nursing Home with whom she shared close and meaningful relationships during her stay, especially acknowledging Gloria Avery, CNA, whom she considered as a daughter and with whom she proudly shared and celebrated the same birthday. She was predeceased by a sister, Anna Percola; and her brothers, Joseph and Samuel Paratore, and Vito, Eddie, Jim, John, and Peter Paratore. The family offers its sincere thanks to Dr. Theodore Mehalic, Dr. Sam Rubino, Dr. Al Shaheen, and Dr. James O'Malley for their excellent and compassionate care throughout the years. Visitation will be held on Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 until 3:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Mary's honor to the St. Joseph Nursing Home or to a charity of choice. Mrs. Ciruzzi's funeral will commence on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Mary's family extends heartfelt appreciation, gratitude, and admiration for the entire staff of the St. Joseph Nursing Home for their loving and dedicated service. The care they provided and the personal devotion they shared went well beyond the call of duty and professional obligation as they made every effort to make Mary happy and secure in as home-like an atmosphere as possible. Thanks to all of you, including: the administrator, Frank Trimboli and the late Sister Barbara Connolly, who was the previous administrator; the Director of Nursing, Jane Dabro, and to the RN's, LPN's, and CNA's, especially those of the 2nd floor; the Director of Dietary, Becky Arcuri, and the dieticians and dietary aides; the Director of Environmental Services, Paul Green, and the maintenance staff, the housekeepers, and the laundry aides; the Director of Social Services, Sister Leda, and the Social Services Secretary; the Director of Activities, Sister Robert, and all the activities aides; the Chief Financial Officer, John Salvati, and his staff of bookkeepers; the Director of Human Resources, Christine Koons; the Director of Development, David Podos; the Director of Rehabilitation, Roger Paciello, and the occupational therapist and therapy aides; the Family Nurse Practitioner, Sister Patricia; the Director of Quality Assurance, Sister Eileen; the Director of Resident Services, Margaret Romer; the persons who provided spiritual services, Father David Sanbor, Father Fred Daley, and Steve, the organist in the chapel; and, last but certainly not least, Sister Rose, Sister Mary Vianney, Sister Xavier, and Sister Lawrence. Your service, your dedication, and your kindness were important to Mary's daily life in your care, and they will remain ever cherished in the memories of her loved ones.

Maria "Mary" (Paratore) Ciruzzi

March 11, 1911 - December 22, 2005