Marilyn A. (Mango) LaBarbera

WHITESBORO - Marilyn A. (Mango) LaBarbera, age 72, went home to those who have gone before her when she passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2018. Born in Utica on July 24, 1946, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Alphonse and Roccatella “Roc” (Benedetto) Mango. She attended T.R. Proctor High School and was a graduate of the Mohawk Beauty Culture School where she received her NY State License as a Beautician and Cosmetologist. She enjoyed a career as a successful hairdresser for numerous salons in the area and a unique rapport with her clients. Many people will remember Marilyn from her position as Head Server at Valley View Country Club. Each wedding and other social events under her guidance and supervision were perfect in timing, presentation, and attention to detail. She was great at her chosen work and was blessed with hospitality. She was legendary, for sure. Vera, Mike, and Chuck Sadallah were considered family. Marilyn was a classy woman, always well-appointed in her attire and appearance. She planned the proper way for things to be accomplished, and did just that. She also asked the same of her loved ones, and when she gave them specific instructions, they respected her advice. Marilyn was also generous and compassionate. She was mindful and always remembered the good occasions in people’s lives and also supported others during sadness or a loss, virtues she learned from her mother. When her loved ones were happy, especially her children and grandchildren, she was happy. She never wanted gifts, but she accepted graciously and humbly when she received one. She enjoyed the company and get togethers with longtime and precious friends and she especially enjoyed to dance, and the jitterbug was her favorite! She knew so many people and was a good conversationalist. Marilyn was a memorable soul and her personality was real. She made things always be the best they could be; she was graced with a son who adored his mother and that filled the biggest part of her heart. When her grandson was born she was engaging and instrumental in his upbringing. Her granddaughter was the recipient of her advice and wisdom and she watched over her tenderly. The blessing of her daughter-in-law, Kim was that of an angel on earth and she loved her daughter, Teresa unconditionally. Traditions and Holidays were passed from Roccatella to Marilyn who hosted gracious celebrations with much elegance. In these more recent years, her children accepted the torch and have taken care of festivities in a traditional style. Marilyn valued her Catholic faith. Marilyn is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dino and Kimberly LaBarbera with whom she respectfully shared a home; her daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Bill Murphy; grandchildren, Dean Abraham and Alex Feliciano, Bianca LaBarbera and Chris Isom, Anthony Abraham and Samantha Haas, and John and Brittany Woods; great-grandchildren, Londyn Abraham, and Aria Woods. She was preceded by her brother, Joseph F. Mango, and her sister Phyllis Sturgeon. She will be remembered by her brother-in-law, Richard “Dick” Sturgeon, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins including Barbara Federico. Marilyn had a multitude of friends throughout her life who have been her connection to the world, but at the final journey she was supported by Jodi Guarnieri, Lori Falange, Elizabeth Eaton, Dolores Centolella, and Terry Pugliese; her aunt, Kathleen Hobaica and Anna Rich. The family is grateful to Dr. Scott Brehaut for his humanity, compassion, and medical expertise and Peter Storowicz from Sodexo. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marilyn’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday, at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joe Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass.

Marilyn A. (Mango) LaBarbera

July 24, 1946 - October 27, 2018