Mary A. (Polera) Potenza

Mrs. Mary A. (Polera) Potenza, age 85, of Utica, went home to be with her Lord when she peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Her loving family was by her side at the time of her passing. Born in Utica on August 13, 1922, Mary was the daughter of the late Thomas and Francesca (Pellegrino) Polera. She was raised and educated locally and attended T. R. Proctor High School. On April 27, 1946 she married Stephen A. Potenza with whom she shared 59 years prior to his passing on May 8, 2005. The couple enjoyed a relationship that was blessed with faith filled love, commitment, and a companionship that they truly came to know. In her earlier working years, Mary was employed at the General Electric Company on French Rd. in the capacity of group leader, retiring in 1982. Her family was her greatest priority and her concern for them was natural and effortless. Always concerned with their wellness and happiness, she promoted their accomplishments with her encouraging attitude. She had a knack of preparing meals for special family occasions and she was an exceptional baker. She cared for her home with meticulous regard and honored the bonds of friendship. Mary held a genuine honor for her children, the generations that followed, her church, and the powers of St. Anthony and the Blessed Mother who guided her life and goodness. As a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church, she attended the annual St. Anthony Novena and the St. Cosmo and St. Damiano Celebration. Mary is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Vito and Donna Potenza of Ft. Washington, MD; and her son-in-law, Chuck Kelly of Utica. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Sara Gina Kelly who passed away on May 11, 2000. She adored and cherished her grandchildren, Kimberly and Chris Jennings, Chucky Kelly and fiancée Shannon Baker, and Paul Kelly, all of Utica, Stephen V. and Colleen Potenza, and Dr. Matthew and Alyson Potenza all of NYC; and her great-grandchildren, Delaney Sara Jennings, Christopher Wayne Jennings, and Kathrin Ann Potenza. Survivors also include her brothers and sister-in-law, Pat and Mary Polera of Utica, Dominick “Dick” Polera of CA, and Frank Polera of Rome, NY; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, John Potenza, Dominick Potenza, Ida DeCarlo, Catherine “Kate” Grazadei, Jody Potenza, and Mary and Sebastian “Buster” DiCesare; and her longtime and loyal friends, Rose Sangiacomo, Rose Coriale, Angelo Guidolotti, and Vincent Dannes. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Angie and Victor Gerace; her brother and sister-in-law, John “Derby Dan” and Frances Polera; and her in-laws, Palma “Polly” and Raymond Zangrilli, Jr., Rose and Joseph Fiore, Pat Potenza, Nancy Potenza, and Beverly Polera. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of the Brooklyn Household of the Masonic Care Community for showing Mary so much love, good care, and compassion. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Mary’s honor to the Masonic Care Community of NY; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mary’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary A. (Polera) Potenza

August 3, 1922 - February 16, 2008