Marie L. (Tantillo) Ferro

Mrs. Marie L. (Tantillo) Ferro, “MaryFerro” age 91, was reunited with her husband, Joe, when she passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on February 27, 1922, Marie was the daughter of the late Anthony and Maria (Morreale) Tantillo. She was raised and educated locally. On November 29, 1941 she wed Joseph S. Ferro; their 70-year marriage was a combination of shared destiny and cherished companionship. Mary and Joe were genuine, humble, and honorable to each other and their family life. Her beloved Joe preceded her on May 22, 2012. Mary’s workplace and second home was the Central Association for the Blind, where she was passionate about her jobs as a seamstress, and lastly, an assembler. She knew very well that her limited vision was a major challenge to her line of work, yet her positions were meaningful and she was not deterred in performing her duties and responsibilities efficiently. She felt so very proud of her work and the inner strength and satisfaction it brought to her. Within Mary’s slight frame lived a vivacious spirit so full of life. She was compassionate and selfless, always concerned about others who saw her kindness in her ability to remember a special date in the lives of those she loved. Mary’s greatest accomplishment in her life was the blessing of her children. As a mother, she was tireless in her worry and concern that her children were safe and sound. She prayed that they would grow to be good and fair-minded adults and, in turn, they tended to her needs with a heartfelt and unbounded love. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren clearly brightened her life with their pure and simple presence and adoration. She was happiest around the holidays or whenever her loved ones were gathered around a table. Mary’s leisure time was spent beside her husband, Joe, and together they enjoyed bowling, bocce, bingo, their yearly jaunts to Atlantic City and Las Vegas, and the many beautiful bus trips to almost every state in the union to visit family members. They were members of the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054 and American Legion Post #229 where they were paramount in their commitment to both organizations' successes. She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph A. and Cindy Ferro of Florida; her daughters and son-in-law, Rose Marie and Richard T. Maline, and Carol Lee Ferro with whom she shared an unspoken trust; Always close to her heart were the memories of her infant children, Geraldine, and Gerard. Marie was also blessed with the love and respect of an ‘additional daughter’, “My Gina” Mezza, who she truly loved. She also leaves her grandchildren, Joseph A. and Misty Ferro, Regina Ferro Vliegenthart and her husband Donald, Patricia and Russell Hobby, Jessica Ferro and Cari Austin; Richard and Holly Maline, and Mark and Lisa Maline; and her great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Victoria, Joseph, and Olivia; Brandon, Micah, Zane, and Anne; Jacob and Zachary; Dana, Connor and Cameron; Brendon and Justin; and always remembering Aaron Cole who passed away on February 14, 2003. She was also loved and blessed by Chuckie, Anthony, Kali, and Karissa. Her extended family includes her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Samuel T. and Deeny Tantillo; in-laws, Rocco and Susan Ferro, Benjamin and Philomena Ferro, Anthony and Laurina Ferro, Lewis and Marguerite “Marge” Ferro, Gerald Ferro, and Frank and Marge Ferro. The family sends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Kelberman, Dr. Gerry Love and Dr. Ashok Patel, who tended to Mary during her hospital stay; Dr. Gunnar Anderson, her longtime primary physician; and the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center’s 5th floor, Critical Care and Intermediate Care Units, all of whom were very compassionate and loving to Mary. A special thank-you is also given to the caregivers of the Forestport Household at the Masonic Care Community of NY during her rehabilitative stay. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., Utica. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation honoring the Thea Bowman House for their commitment to the wellbeing of children (www.theabowmanhouse.org). Envelopes will be available at the service. Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 upon conclusion of visitation at the church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by her cousin, Rev. Joseph Salerno and parish pastor, Fr. Mark Kaminski. Mary’s family will escort her to her final resting place beside her husband in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Marie L. (Tantillo) Ferro

February 27, 1922 - August 18, 2013