Mrs. Marie T. (Villella) Mezza

UTICA – Mrs. Marie T. (Villella) Mezza was called to the Lord after her 92 years in a gentle passing on Thursday, December 7, 2023 in the comfort of her home with her family and loved ones by her side. After 29 years, she will now be reunited with her devoted husband. Born in Utica on April 20, 1931, Marie was the daughter of the late Carmine and Jennie (Costanza) Villella. She attended Utica City Schools. Marie began her career at the Oneita Knitting Mill, where she met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Mezza. They were married on June 23, 1951. Together they managed to share and celebrate 43 years prior to Chuck’s passing on October 3, 1994. Marie had missed Chuck terribly each day since they had parted. Marie was stoic in nature, but the best at bantering. Her house was a comedy routine. Marie spoke her peace and was full of spunk. She had a watchful eye on her home and wanted her household to be in order. She was an avid lover of sweets, especially jelly buns. Her house was the home base and was considered the place to go. Friends and family gathered there, every day, but more often on Sundays. There are memories of standing in the kitchen and dipping the fresh Italian bread straight into the sauce, still in the pan. Her sauce was the best, but the conversations and company were even better! There was never a dull moment, and always lots of laughter. After her children were raised, Marie gained employment with the Utica City School District at Mary Street and Roosevelt Schools where she enjoyed working in the cafeterias as a server. Later, she worked at Central Kitchen. Marie so enjoyed her position there that she returned after retirement because she simply missed “the gang.” At one time, Marie was affiliated along with her husband and children with the Yankee Cadets Drum & Bugle Corp. More than anything, Marie loved her family and the grandchildren ruled. Her only regret in life was that she never learned to drive and had to depend on someone to cart her around. Still, she looked forward to being able to spend time with her family and loved ones. After spending years creating a home exactly to her liking, she was, of course, a homebody. Marie gladly spent most of her time there, completing word search puzzles or watching reality TV shows, particularly those within the court systems. In her earlier years, she loved having the opportunity to travel places with her daughter, visiting the lights of Las Vegas, and the warmth and beauty of the islands. Locally, she attended Broadway Theatre League shows in her front row seats, often with her grandchildren. Marie was blessed with a 5th daughter, Carol Lee Ferro, who had much patience and took great care of her. She also had two wonderful sons-in-law: Joe, who she enjoyed having coffee with, even though he sometimes challenged her; and Tony, who was so respectful and did anything she wanted, always with a smile. What a blessing it was to have two caring men by her side to do anything she needed. Throughout her life Marie was a lucky lady, for everyone doted on her - that is just the way she liked it. Marie loved her grand-puppies, Bischon, Uno, who has since predeceased her, and Maltipoo, Harlie. Marie had an open-door policy. There was always an aroma of food up the back staircase and so many friends will testify to the smell of her cooking, outrageous conversations, and tons of laughter. You always felt at home at the Mezza’s, a typical Italian family. Thank you to Marie and Chuck for creating a haven where memories were made that will never be forgotten. Marie was a true believer and prayed to the Lord for comfort. She was a communicant of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where a candle was always lit in memory of her husband and her parents. Marie is survived by her daughters and their loves, LuAnn Mezza, Gina Marie Mezza, Jennifer and Jose “Tony” Torres, Margaret Ann Mezza-Cucharale and Joseph F. Cucharale, Jr., and Carol Lee Ferro, whom she couldn’t love more. She was preceded by two infant sons. Marie will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Charles “Chuckie” Torres and Chris, and Anthony Torres and fiancée Kristine Moskal; and Kali Cucharale, and Karissa Cucharale. She remembered fondly her brother who preceded her, Peter A. Giordano – the reunion of sister and brother was so meaningful, as well as her sister-in-law, Dolores (Giovampietro) Giordano. She will always be kept in the hearts and thoughts of her nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. Marie was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mary (Campanaro) Mezza. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Molly Schug, who was always available; Dr. Charles Eldredge and his nurse, Desiree; the staff from Acacia Home Care and Hospice; and Marie’s home aide, Gordana, with whom she had a special bond. As a family, each of her daughters, grandchildren, and in-laws blessed her with love and care through her final journey. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a blessing upon Marie which will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Our Savior Mausoleum Chapel at Calvary Cemetery. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.

Mrs. Marie T. (Villella) Mezza

April 20, 1931 - December 7, 2023