Mrs. Marie A. Massella

Mrs. Marie A. (Romanelli) Massella, age 75, of Utica, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2011 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the support and prayers of her family. Born in Utica on July 23, 1936, Marie was the daughter of the late Donato and Madelyn (Guarnieri) Romanelli. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1953. On February 8, 1958 she married Dominic A. Massella; they were well matched for one another and shared in a relationship that was bonded in their companionship during their 53 years together. At one time, Marie was employed as a secretary at Griffiss Air Force Base. Full of life and boundless energy, she loved her family and was very proud of their accomplishments. She was selfless in her concerns for them, always placing them first. She was a fantastic cook and baker, and shared her goodies with all who were important to her. Her heart was filled with generosity and compassion and she was a blessed woman. For recreation, she ventured games of chance, an activity she shared with her husband. Marie was a spiritual and prayerful woman and a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Marie is survived by her husband, Dominic; her daughter and son-in-law, Donna M. and Richard P. Schram of Utica; her adored granddaughter, Dana (Plado) and David “Zeek” Zito; and her step-grandchildren, Renee and Rod Potter, and Richard P. Schram, Jr. Her extended family includes many nieces and nephews, Madelyn and Alfred Cognetti, Donald and Betsy Romanelli, Carol and Edward Petronio, Joanne “Cookie” Jokajtys, Geraldine Morreale, and Madeline and Chuck Schwartz; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Rita and Joseph Taraska, Jerry and James Payne, and Dolores Masciarelli. She was also blessed with many friends throughout her life, especially acknowledging Jeanette. She was predeceased by her siblings, Frank “Hottie” and Angie Romanelli, Angelo “Herbie” and Mafalda Romanelli, Rose and Tom Morreale, and Joseph Romanelli; her in-laws, Angelo and Marie Massella, Edward Massella, and John Masciarelli; and her nephew, Frank Morreale. An angel awaiting her is her granddaughter, Dominique “Monique” Marie Plado, who passed away in 1980. The family is grateful to Dr. Paula Vechio, Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, and the staff of the 6th floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center who were so supportive of Marie as well as her family during this difficult time; and Fr. John Buehler for his prayers and spiritual visits. Marie’s family will honor her life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. John Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Historic Old St. John’s Church in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Marie A. Massella

July 23, 1936 - August 22, 2011