Mrs. Marlene M. (Hiffa) Giuliano

UTICA - The family sadly announces the passing of Mrs. Marlene M. (Hiffa) Giuliano, age 76, who passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023. She went home to the Lord with great faith, surrounded by the most important people who escorted her in her transition. Born in Utica on October 14, 1947, Marlene was the daughter of the late Anthony and Emily (Casab) Hiffa. She attended Brandegee Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1965. She later attended the Mohawk School of Beauty Culture, passing the boards and becoming a NYS Licensed Beautician. Marlene then joined the Jo-Mar Beauty Salon, started by her sister, Joanne. It all began at the Albany Street location where she worked along with her mom, Emily, and sisters, Donna and Joanne; they were a unique and masterful group. They had such a great relationship, and they were affectionate and in harmony with one another. The Saga continued at several East Utica locations until the salon found its home on the corner of Eagle and Kossuth. She was passionate and meticulous about the hairdos she created, and a client never left her chair disappointed. On August 10, 1969, she married John T. Giuliano. For those of you who remember their first date, the humor, laughter, and true love started that very evening. For John, Marlene was his everything, and he needed nothing more than her loyalty. Marlene was a wonderful mom, housewife, and fabulous cook. She learned her Italian cuisine from her mother-in-law which made John so proud. In later years, all they did was take care of one another; day in and day out, they honored the commitment they made to each other on the day of their marriage. Marlene had a heart of gold and was selfless. She always provided a welcoming and safe home. Without fail, Marlene was the one anyone could go to; she fixed everything, and she encouraged you. She and John worked endlessly to provide for their children and family. She was the rock and glue to this family, and while things will be different, those gracious memories will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who loved her most. Marlene went above and beyond for so many people; her legacy will remain unforgettable. With a beautiful face and sweet smile she embraced life, and to her, the glass was half full. She was uplifting, delightful and tender. She was unpretentious, humble, and her spirit was sincere. She had the art of conversation and people were drawn to her. She could make anyone feel like family. Marlene was so funny; her amusing one-liners left her company in tears. The stories she told were unforgettable, and her gestures were beyond entertaining. She was a hoot and a laugh a minute. Her sisters and their husbands were remarkable and extremely helpful in getting John and Marlene to appointments. They provided meals, constant phone checking in, and unconditional support. Marlene was very particular with her personal appearance. She was never without makeup, especially her “lip liner and stick.” She was a fashionista, and her nails were always well manicured. Marlene was her own hairdresser and when she left her home, there was not a hair out of place. Everything for Marlene revolved around the table; it was her love language. Music accompanied her as she prepared, served, and cleaned up the kitchen. No one ever left her home hungry. Family was all she needed. She was so proud of her two children, their loves, and all that they meant to her throughout the years. She loved being a Nanni to her three grandchildren who adored her. She was a motherly figure and their best friend. Marlene's strong faith was evident in her devotion to novenas and daily prayers. The Blessed Mother was her “girl,” and she always prayed to her for strength and protection. Throughout her home, one would find rosaries, always within her reach, and it was common to see Marlene holding each bead with genuine intentions for others. Her home parish was that of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. As life often presents opportunities, Marlene, through the loss of a close friend, became the main hairstylist to the clients of Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. Her time spanned over forty years, and she became family in so many ways. Marlene was a role model to all, sharing her wisdom in good spirits with the youth of the staff, as well as being a stable advisor to the more seasoned members. It was a wonderful run... and everyone at this firm loved her. As years passed and health conditions arose, it was her devoted sisters who embraced her responsibilities with dedication, for which we are so grateful. Marlene, no one will ever take your place, and no one could ever be the woman you were — you always made magic happen. Marlene is survived by her devoted and loving husband, John; her daughter, Marisa Aiello and fiancé Steven Siriano; her son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Melissa Giuliano, all of whom showed her so much love and respect; her grandchildren, Antonio Aiello and Francesca Laufer; Francesco “Frankie” Giuliano, and Giovanni “G” Giuliano; her cherished sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne and Roger Loran, and Donna and Bernie Coffay; and her loving brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Charlene (Moses) Hiffa. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Roger and Meghan Loran, Michael and Jennifer Loran; Bernie and Andrea Coffay, Marlaina and Jason Kanclerz, Joseph and Melissa Coffay; Amanda Hiffa-Dondero and her husband, Erik, Dr.’s Anthony and Kate Hiffa, and Austin Hiffa and fiancé, Sarah Carrier; her great-nieces and great-nephews who brought her much joy, Michael “Mikey” Loran; Sydney and Carter Kanclerz; Karina and Kellan Coffay; Noelle, Roman, and Giuliana Dondero; and Chase and Tanner; and several Hiffa and Casab cousins. She will also remain in the hearts of her in-laws, Nicola and Angela Giuliano, Rose Mazza (and the late Francesco), Teresa Becker, Tony and Jackie Giuliano; and her nieces and nephews, Louisa, Giulianna, Daniella, Francesco, Maria Rose, Dr. Gino, and Antonella, Keith and Louisa, Jordan, and Katrina and Dave, D.C. Marlene had the blessing of a “second son” and his wife, Hahn and Thuy Ha, with whom they shared the gift of love. Thank you for doing all that you did. Marlene was graced with many wonderful friends throughout her life, but it would be remiss not to mention Pauline and Ralph Giovinazzo, Kim and Tony Ferrucci, Marlo, who was her goddaughter, and her husband, Ryan McNerney, Ralph and Cori Giovinazzo, Barbara Lambright and Jim, Kathy and Angelo Morreale, and members of the “birthday group.” Marlene was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francesco and Caterina Giuliano. The family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marlene’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger Street, where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Boutros El Hachem. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. Memorial contributions in Marlene's honor may be made to the Abraham House, an organization Marlene respected for caring for those in need, online at www.theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will follow in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Marlene M. (Hiffa) Giuliano

October 14, 1947 - October 23, 2023