Mrs. Marilyn (Cavallaro) DeFazio

N. UTICA – Mrs. Marilyn (Cavallaro) DeFazio, age 81, was blessed to be called home to the Lord and be reunited with the love of her life, Anthony, when she passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Marilyn was born in Utica on September 25, 1942 to the late Joseph Cavallaro and Congetta (Tursi) Cavallaro. She attended St. Agnes Grammar School and T.R. Proctor High School and was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. Marilyn married Anthony J. DeFazio on September 28, 1963. She was a devoted wife and constant companion to Anthony. They were an inseparable couple, admired by many. They were each other’s best friend and affectionately known to be by each other’s sides always. 60 years were shared together prior to Anthony’s passing on November 25, 2023. Marilyn’s joy was her home and the love within. She was a warm and nurturing mom, and cherished her 5 grandchildren. She always desired that those she loved knew how much she loved them. They were a very close family of heartfelt values, traditions and memories that will be embraced for years to come. Marilyn’s passion was creating a warm and beautiful home for her family. Prior to becoming a wife and mom, she accepted a role at the Rome Air Base out of High School. Once her children grew up this allowed her to enter a new phase of her life and she accepted a position with Dr. Albert Altongy, a local orthodontist. She was the office manager, where she worked until the doctor retired. Marilyn and Anthony were blessed with many friendships. They made their home of 55 years and established deeply rooted relationships. They were lifetime natives of Central NY which allowed for many lifelong and loving bonds. Marilyn loved to be in the company of friends therefore her home was always warm, open and welcoming. A successful marriage and the blessing of two precious children made her life complete. The little things made Marilyn happy and proud. Holidays were extra special to Marilyn and brought with them her outstanding home cooked meals and delicious desserts. Nothing made her happier than being with her treasured family during the holidays. Marilyn and Anthony were deeply connected to their faith. They were long standing members of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus. Marilyn is survived by her children and their loves, Lisa M. and Frank J. Nanna and Anthony S. and Cynthia Pensiero-DeFazio. The memory of their Nonnie will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Francesca M. Nanna, and Christian A. Nanna; twins Riya N. and Anthony J. DeFazio; and Arianna R. Pensiero. She will be remembered by her step-sister and her husband, Linda-Jo and Albert Barrio, as well as their family; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; and her in-laws, Marie Sirianni and her late husband, Louis Sirianni; Roseanne and Charles Coupe, and Richard DeFazio and his late wife, Jacqueline. Marilyn was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Samuel “Sam” and Teresa (LoPiccolo) DeFazio; aunt, Gloria Tursi; uncle, Martin Tursi; and in-laws, Phillip and Loretta DeFazio and Samuel DeFazio. The family wishes to thank the physicians and staff of MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC for their exceptional care of Marilyn. Visitation for both Marilyn and Anthony will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing, memorial contributions in Marilyn name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Central NY online at www.alz.org/centralnewyork; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marilyn and Anthony’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum.

Mrs. Marilyn (Cavallaro) DeFazio

September 25, 1942 - January 2, 2024