Mrs. Mary (Longo) Inserra

Mrs. Mary (Longo) Inserra, age 102, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2013 at the Katherine Luther Residential Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on December 29, 1910, Mary was the daughter of the late Frank and Lena (Giglio) Longo. She was raised and educated locally, a graduate of the Utica School of Commerce. On November 15, 1930 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church she wed George J. Inserra in a marriage ceremony that was blessed by Fr. John Marchegiani. The couple shared 58 years prior to George’s passing on April 6, 1989. Mary worked as a bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Inserra Banana Company, retiring in 1977. A woman of humility and faith, Mary would like to be remembered for her small acts of kindness. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church and a member of the St. Anne’s Society and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society. Mary is survived by her daughter, Virginia “Bee” and Norton Esposito of Utica; and her two sons and daughters-in-law, George A. and Nancy (Breitbach) Inserra of New Hartford, and John and Diana (Hettinger) Inserra of Clinton. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Frank G. Inserra, who passed away on September 24, 2004. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, David Inserra and Maryanne, Alison and Bob Manderson, Laura and Curt Perfect, Andrew J. Inserra, and Barbara Welstead. She also held close to her heart the memory of her beloved grandson, George A. Inserra III, who preceded her on December 21, 1994. In addition, she leaves her adored great-grandchildren, Monique Inserra, David Inserra II, Stephanie Inserra and Trent Welstead; her sisters, Santina “Sadie” Piazza of CA, and Josephine Vescera of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, with special mention of her cousin Joanne Longo; and in-laws, Anne Calabrese, and Ninfa Inserra. She was predeceased by her brother, Mariano “Happy” Longo; her sister, Anne Longo Lebert; and several in-laws and their families. The family wishes to thank each and every member of the staff in the “Saul” Unit at the Katherine Luther Home in Clinton for enriching Mary’s stay during her final journey; each of you helped so much. The family will honor and commemorate Mary’s life in a private gathering. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta and con-celebrant Fr. Flanagan. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be considered to the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Memorial Fund in Mary’s honor; envelopes will be available at the service. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of mass. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. “In my journey through life, there were so many special friends. You were my treasures. I thank each of you for making my life beautiful. To all who remember me, remember me in an eternal, true memorial- by reaching out to help someone who is hurting. And, to everyone who reads this, enjoy the now!”

Mrs. Mary (Longo) Inserra

December 29, 1910 - October 28, 2013