Mrs. Marie J. (Alberico) Cichello

UTICA - Mrs. Marie J. (Alberico) Cichello, age 76, was welcomed home by her family and her Lord when she passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2017 with her loved ones by her side. Born in Utica on April 30, 1941, Marie was the daughter of the late Dominick A. “Dick” and Congetta “Connie” (Bonanza) Alberico. She attended Roscoe Conkling Elementary School and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1959. On August 18, 1962 she married Edward M. “Eddie” Cichello with whom she shared 54 years. They appreciated their life and lived for their family. Marie loved him dearly and Eddie stayed by her side to the very end. On the day of her Celebration of Life, they would have been also celebrating their 55th year of marriage. Marie worked as a member of the office staff at Doeskin Manufacturing and took time off to raise her family. She then returned to the workforce at the House of the Good Shepherd where she was employed in Housekeeping. She was most proud of being a mom to her children. Marie had a generous heart and a gentle manner that showed how much she cared. Her light-hearted nature and sense of humor were reflected in her beautiful smile and ability to make you feel her joy. She liked the lighter side of life and her son-in-law Chuck had a knack for making her laugh. She was so good in so many ways and was admired by all for her kindness. She was able to accept constructive criticism and was never condescending. And so what if she ran a little late —- no one is perfect! Marie’s family bond was incredible. She was sensitive to others’ feelings and made note of memorable days in the lives of her loved ones. She kept a meticulous home and was a great cook, keeping in mind everyone’s favorite foods. But she never quite mastered her mother-in-law’s white cake recipe. Marie was a home body and made her house a happy home. But some of the greatest joys in her later years were trips to the St. Lawrence River, a peaceful place where she felt so relaxed by the beauty of the North Country. Marie was one of the eleven “original” members of the Cousins Club and was the coordinator of family functions and they frequently met to enjoy each other’s company and conversation, and catch up on current events in their lives. Their annual trip to Auriesville Shrine was Marie’s favorite destination and it pleased her when everyone could be together. Marie felt that she was blessed in life. She had great parents, a wonderful sister, and daughters who doted over her and grew to be her best friends. They each were a part of her heart. When grandchildren came into her life she bonded with them and became a part of their lives. She often babysat and couldn’t do enough for them. In these later years her young adult grandchildren lit up her life. Marie was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. She had a deep reverence for the Blessed Mother, a lesson of love she learned from her mom. Her abiding faith was the light that guided her life. Marie is survived by her husband, Eddie; and her daughters and sons-in-law, Regina A. and Thomas Pfisterer, and Christine and Chuck Heath. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter who passed away in infancy. She also leaves her grandchildren, Elena Marie Pfisterer, Thomas D. Pfisterer, and Dominick M. Pfisterer; her lifelong friend and beloved sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Michael L. Elefante; her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Lou Elefante, and Michael Elefante; great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins of the Alberico, Timpano, LaBella, Syrotynski, Graziano, Montesanti, and Bonanza families; in-laws, Joseph and Wavel Cichello; and her dear extended family, Francis and Angela Pfisterer, Patty (Furgal) Kratzenberg, and Philip and Mimmi Toracco of whom she was so fond; and their family canine and companion, Buddy. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Bradley Sklar, and Dr. John Pylman for their professional guidance; and the 2nd Floor staff at the Sitrin Health Care Center for their compassionate care. They tended to Marie with dignity and respect which was so appreciated and will never be forgotten. Sincere thanks also to Rev. Joseph Salerno for his special visit and heartfelt prayer. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Marie’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. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Marie will be arriving a little bit late, as usual. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mrs. Marie J. (Alberico) Cichello

April 30, 1941 - August 13, 2017