Mrs. Marilyn A. (Kaido) Pettinato

Mrs. Marilyn A. (Kaido) Pettinato, RN, age 78, a lifelong Utica resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 3, 2016 in the dignity of her daughter’s home amid the comfort of a room referred to as ‘her nest’. Her loving family was by her side. Born in New Hartford on August 21, 1937, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Felix and Frances J. (Chmura) Kaido. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1955 and furthered her studies at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital where she received a degree in Nursing. On July 11, 1959 she married Anthony D. Pettinato, Jr. with whom she shared 55 years devoting their lives to each other and their family. Anthony passed away on February 19, 2015. Marilyn was employed as a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital in the Maternity & Pediatric Unit. She took time off from her career to raise her beautiful family. More recently, she worked at the Masonic Care Community of NY as a Charge RN. Lastly, she held a position for a period of 25 years with the Golub Corporation/Price Chopper Supermarkets as an associate in the role of “super sampler lady”, a perfect position for her vivacious personality at the close of her working career. As a loving wife, Marilyn embraced the experiences that their marital bond brought them. She was instrumental in the family’s concern and its overall success, and was the embodiment of the adage “Behind every successful man is a great woman”. Marilyn was very selfless and dedicated to the physical and emotional needs of her loved ones. She made a lasting impression on all those she met, and she always had a deep concern for the well being of others. She enthusiastically engaged in conversation concerning religion, spirituality, and philosophy, more specifically reflecting on the lives of Padre Pio and Pope John Paul II. She gained inspiration from Mother Mary Angelica of the Eternal World Television Network. In her earlier days, Marilyn enjoyed being active in the events of her children’s lives, a devotion she held dear throughout her grandchildren’s lives as well. The family will long remember her special cookie baking talents and her wonderful “snarky” sense of humor. Marilyn loved to travel, especially with her family. She gained an inner spiritual enlightenment from her trip to Italy, following her faith to religious destinations on a pilgrimage to the most meaningful Catholic landmarks throughout that country. She also loved lunch gatherings with family and friends. For many years, her hobbies and pastimes included bingo at the American Legion Post #229 and bowling with the “Latecomers League” on “The Ladybugs” team. She was also fond of attending theatrical and musical shows, and visiting museums. She was a member of the NY Mills Senior Center, the former Sons of Italy Lodge, and the New Hartford Dunham Book Club. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. She was a member of the St. Cosmas & St. Damian Society and she participated in many of the church events. Marilyn is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Michael Pellegrino of Whitesboro, Sharon and Jay Garfinkel of Long Island, and Antonette and William Melvin of Georgia; her son, Anthony Pettinato and Kimberly Jaquier of Utica; her grandchildren, Kristin Pellegrino Eddy and her husband Christopher Eddy, Anna Garfinkel, Billy Garfinkel, and Billy Melvin. Always close to her heart was the memory of her grandson, Michael Paul Pellegrino, who passed away on April 25, 2011; she shared with him a special bond built upon their mutual love of knowledge and discussion of historical events that shaped humanity. She also leaves her great-grandchildren, Joshua Lee Eddy, and Mila Rose Eddy; her sister, Dorothy Holmes of Whitesboro; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Suz Kaido of CA; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, especially acknowledging her “Kaido and Chmura cousins”; and her in-laws, Dolores and Louis Papale. She was favored by many special friends including nursing school classmates and in recent years, special mention of Marie Papale, and Vita Busa. The family is grateful to Marilyn’s medical team for the kind, compassionate care they lovingly provided to her. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Marilyn’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Marilyn A. (Kaido) Pettinato

August 21, 1937 - April 3, 2016