Mrs. Mary (Morreale) Ritz

NEW YORK MILLS - Mrs. Mary (Morreale) Ritz, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Utica on May 30, 1930 at Memorial Hospital, Mary was the daughter of the late Rosario and Catherine (LaBarbera) Morreale. She attended Wetmore Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1948. Mary remained active on the Planning Committees for class reunions with much due diligence. She went on to graduate from the Utica School of Commerce where she learned valuable office tools. At one time, she was wed to the late Robert Ritz, and to that marriage came the blessing of two precious children. They were her two gems; her garnet and her ruby. Mary began her professional career at Utica Mutual Insurance Company, followed by her employment with the General Electric Company, French Road location in the Accounting Office where she was an Administrative Executive Secretary. She subsequently accepted a Civil Service appointment at City Hall holding positions in the City of Utica Corporation Counsel and the Comptroller’s Office. Over time, Mary’s ability to interact with people, her knowledge of stenography and skill at shorthand, and her vested rights with General Electric became her pathway back to French Road as a valuable employee in the Engineering Department as an Executive Administrative Assistant, the position from which she retired in 1993 after 25 years of service to the company. Never one to be idle, Mary emerged from retirement to work part-time for the Board of Elections and serve as a Pollster on Election Days. The final chapter in the chronicle of Mary’s career was set in New York Mills Elementary School where she worked as a teacher’s aide… so loved by her co-workers and the children she helped every day. Mary was blessed with an extended family of loved ones who watched over one another with the compassion of “Depression Era babies.” Although they never forgot the sadness of those who never came back from World War II, they treasured the happiness of the family members who returned. Mary always appreciated the joy of life and the bounty of the garden. It was tough, but it was fun. Sundays were shared at Aunt Rose’s house where everyone gathered for pasta. Holidays were highlighted with the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes, traditions, and many graces. She often recalled her most precious memories as “the simple joys of life.” Her most treasured memory of childhood was coming home from church to her mother’s pot of sauce, dunking in the ends of the bread, and dancing in the kitchen to Italian Opera with her mother who called her “Madiooch.” As the matriarch of her family, Mary was a nurturing and selfless soul. She would open her home to anyone, and often host large gatherings for no occasion other than to have her house filled with love. Her children admired how she provided for them as a single mom. She was an amazing woman — protective, supportive, and loving. She taught her kids the values of hard work, honesty, and to give of themselves. Mary and her children considered Helen and Jackie Gollegly extended family; they traveled, shared holidays, and their love of Italian cuisine. They made things happen and created many wonderful memories of great times. In her leisure time, Mary was a voracious reader of romance novels, and in her later years, romantic history genres with a touch of mystery. Among her favorite authors were Annie Garrett, Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn, and Janet Dailey. Mary’s greatest joy was her children. She was always grateful that they rewarded her with equal love and respect. Her perspective changed when she became a grandmother at 63 and was blessed with her first grandchild, Alyssa, who was the “heart of my heart” - her “Cuore Del Mia Cuore.” Her love and pride also ran deeply for Jessica and Anthony and carried in her heart was the memory of grandson Robert Joseph Ritz. Mary took great pride during her retired years by spending most of it with her grandchildren - many of her grandchildren’s friends looked to Mary as their own and fondly called her “Gram.” She helped with summer assignments and would support them through their various athletic endeavors. Attending Utica College volleyball, field hockey, football, and hockey games was a joy to Mary. Mary spent many holidays surrounded by her adopted UC family playing cards and games around the table. The love of the Lord shined on Mary during her childhood at St. Anthony of Padua Church in an East Utica close-knit community. Mary credits her mother for always encouraging her strong catholic faith and Italian heritage. Mary loved and faithfully attended Mass. She became a member of the Adoration Society and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Society, volunteered at the annual Bazaars, and helped count the Sunday collections. She was a spiritual supporter of the parish. In her later years, she was a communicant of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Rosary Campus. Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert R. and Suzanne (McLean) Ritz; her daughter, Jeana “Gigi” Nicotera; and her grandchildren, Alyssa “Lissy Lou” Nicotera & fiancé Liam Callahan; Jessica Ritz, the loving memory of her grandson Robert Joseph Ritz who passed on August 26, 2002, and Anthony Ritz. Mary also leaves her ex-son-in-law, Steve Nicotera, with whom she maintained a close bond. Mary held close to her heart the memory of her sister and brother-in-law, Domenica “Mae” and Rocco A. Galimo; and brother, Rosario “Russ” Morreale II. She also leaves her special niece and godchild, Julie Galimo-Dybacz; her great-nephew, Roman, his wife Jen, and their daughter, Ashlynn Dybacz; nephew and godson, Peter Polera and family; nephew, Russ and his wife Gail Morreale and family; niece, Cathy and her husband Joe Fitzgerald and family; goddaughter, Cindy and her husband Kenny Klein and family; in-laws, Marie Morreale, and Marie Polera (the late Ralph Polera); Joe and Dale Ritz, and Tim and Ginny Callahan and family; and Mary’s many loved, honored, and cherished friendships from multiple generations, that were granted through her God-given gift of listening and conversing with compassion, including Carmella Sciortino, Janet Gurley, and Sharon Gulla. Mary never forgot the love and relationships she shared with friends who preceded her, Helen Gollegly, Josephine Cangello, Florie Scarchilli, and Angela Pedone Longo. She was additionally predeceased by her niece, Regina “Gina” Ferguson; and great-niece, Andrea Dybacz whom she held very dear to her heart. Mary would also like to remember three families that were so important in her life: the Pedone Family, the McLean Family, and the Piperata Family. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Manzurul Sikder, Dr. Arul Kannan and their staffs for such professional guidance, hope, and wonderful care provided to Mary and her family; to the staff of The Abraham House, Rome who truly made their house our home; and to Bonnie McCarthy and Shirley Graziano Mary’s two caregivers who provided love, companionship and excellent care. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to the Abraham House online at https://www.theabrahamhouse.org, or the Kirkland Town Library online at https://www.kirklandtownlibrary.org for always making her reading material available with such courtesy; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Mary (Morreale) Ritz

May 30, 1930 - March 18, 2024