Marie F. (Grande-Graniero) Didio

Mrs. Marie F. (Grande-Graniero) Didio, age 96, of Utica, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2010 at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on February 15, 1914, Marie was the daughter of the late Henry and Angela Mary (Lopardo) Grande-Graniero. Raised and educated in Utica, she attended Utica Free Academy. On September 26, 1935 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, she wed Rocco R. Didio with whom she shared 51 years in a loving marriage until his passing on April 22, 1987. In her earlier years, Marie worked at Doyle Knower in downtown Utica, and the General Electric Company, for many years. She also worked for the Utica City School District as head dietician at Conkling School, the position from which she retired. Marie was self-reliant, compassionate, and loving. She was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother, and was always there for her son, unconditionally. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. In later years she spent winters in Bradenton, Florida with her son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Anita. Marie was a devout Catholic and a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Marie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Anita (Blando) Didio of Utica. Survivors also include her nieces and nephews, Marie Paciello, Francis and Jean Tuccillo, Grace McNasser, Paula Steigman, Michael Didio, MaryLou and Richard Strunk, Patty and Anthony “Buddy” Gigliotti, Mary Lourdes Chapman, Alice Barone, and twin sisters, Carol Didio and Grace Didio; her special great-nephew, Brother Gerald Paciello, OFM; her in-laws, Gerald F. “Jerry” Didio of the Sitrin Home, and George and Marie Didio of Utica. She had very long and lasting ties to the entire Motto family, including Margaret (Motto) Magistro, Rose Motto Agley, and Rocco, John, Joe, Guy, and Richard; and her very close and devoted friends, Patricia Gentile, Roberta and Joe Cavano, Rita Ann and Dominick Scavo, and Peggy and Michael Stewart. She was predeceased by her brother, Nicholas Grande; and her uncle, Rocco Lopardo. The family would like to thank the staff of the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center, especially the members of the Mulberry Unit, for the care and concern rendered to Marie during her stay. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Marie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Marie F. (Grande-Graniero) Didio

February 15, 1914 - October 8, 2010