Mrs. Marion R. (Russo) LaPolla

Mrs. Marion R. (Russo) LaPolla, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home. Born in Utica on July 10, 1921, Marion was the daughter of the late Dominick and Angeline (Lubertine) Russo. She was raised and educated locally. On November 20, 1944 she married Louis J. LaPolla and to that relationship came the blessing of their 4 children. Louis passed away on May 16, 2008. During her working days, Marion was employed by the Mele Manufacturing Company, and subsequently held her last position at the Utica City School District Central Kitchen. But foremost in her life were her responsibility and desire to raise and care for her beloved family. Marion was a kind woman, extremely generous and sociable. She held on to and respected the old family traditions that had been lost over time. Being timely was important to her, and she was never late for anything. At one time, she was proud to serve pasta dinners to the Sisters at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. She was an active member of the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054, loved playing Bingo for over 40 years, and confidently confronted the collective challenges of jigsaw and word search puzzles. Her belief in God and her spirituality directed her life and guided her through trying moments. Her home parish was St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Marion is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marian R. and Michael P. Sturr with whom she resided for 25 years; her sons and daughter-in-law, Anthony L. LaPolla of NY Mills, Louis D. and Andrea M. LaPolla of Utica, and Dominic G. LaPolla most recently of Palm Harbor, FL; her grandchildren, Madeline and Matthew Barlow, Marie and Mark Rastani, Antoinette and Jim MacKay; Michelle and David Bintz, Michael A. LaPolla; Melissa and Scott Shafer, Michael and Nicole Sturr, Matthew Sturr and fiancée Marissa Cushman; Nina Caporale, Julian LaPolla and fiancée Bethany Jackson, and Amanda and Alan Grabowski; and her great-grandchildren, Ashley, Jennifer, Caitlyn, Andrew, Michael, Brandon, Shelby, and Chase. Also left to mourn her passing are her sisters, Madeline Ciriaco, and Lena Palumbo; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws John A. LaPolla, and Lavinia Russo. During her lifetime, Marion cherished many dear friends. She was predeceased by her siblings, Nicholas D. Russo, Samuel L. Sr. and Eleanor Russo, Angeline and Jeremiah Testa, Dominick Russo, Jr.; and her brothers-in-law, Joseph Palumbo, and Nicholas Ciriaco. The family is thankful to the Carmelite Sisters and the staff of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, especially the 2nd floor staff and the personnel of the Activities Department for their kindness, patience, and understanding manner. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Marion’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Marion R. (Russo) LaPolla

July 10, 1921 - December 29, 2012