Mrs. Mary C. (Fusco) Mancuso

New Hartford - Mrs. Mary C. (Fusco) Mancuso, age 96, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. At the time of her passing she was in the hearts of those she loved. Born in Utica on July 16, 1920, Mary was the daughter of the late Pasquale “Patsy” and Catherine (DeFazio) Fusco. On November 26, 1942 she married Paul S. Mancuso, a well-matched union of 60 years. They adored and attended to each other, a blessing apparent to all who knew and loved them. Paul passed away on August 6, 2003. Mary was employed as a salesperson at the upscale Doyle-Knower women’s clothing shop in downtown Utica and later in the New Hartford Shopping Center. A woman of style and sophistication, she was customer-oriented, accessorizing women with ease and elegance. Her patrons were pleased by her pleasant personality and her flair for fashion. She was a woman of inner strength and was admired and beloved by many. Mary had pride in maintaining a meticulous house, neat and well-organized. She touched many lives and extended the hospitality of her home with heartfelt welcome and graceful entertainment. Holidays included a huge table filled with family and a feast of traditional foods, a fine testament to her Italian heritage. Blessed with a kind heart, Mary found the good in all and promoted peace when there was a problem. As a mother, she was a protector and supporter. She and her husband included their son Paul in all of their activities. Paul feels richer for these experiences and he couldn’t have had a better childhood or opportunity to succeed in life. Mary was a Red Hatter and served on the Board of the Meadows Apartments. She had many friends there and she enjoyed those years. She was a devout catholic and she put her faith in her Catholic creed and proudly participated in Bible study at the Meadows Apartments. St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament was her home parish. Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Paul A. and Renee A. Mancuso of NJ; her grandchildren, Nicholas P. Mancuso, and Briana M. Mancuso; and her sisters, Katherine “Kay” Fondario, Rose DeSanctis, and Jean Baldwin. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, brother-in-law, Albert Mancuso, and her many friends. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony J. and Mary Fusco, and Salvatore A. “Sam” and Ann Fusco; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandra “Santa” and Arcangelo “Dick” DeCrescenzo, and Carmella and Walter Reese; her brother-in-law, Edward DeSanctis; and her in-laws of her late husband, the Mancuso family. Paul wishes to thank his mom’s loving neighbors at the Meadows for their prayers and concern; the staff and her friends at the Lutheran Home who provided care and companionship; and her niece and nephew, Sue and Joe Amico, who have been a blessing and comfort to their aunt and to Paul. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary’s Memorial funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday afternoon at 1:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta.

Mrs. Mary C. (Fusco) Mancuso

July 16, 1920 - February 25, 2017