Mary C. (Dispina) Longale

Mary C. (Dispina) Longale, age 91, of Utica, affectionately known as “Gram” passed peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2013 at home with her family by her side. She was born in Italy on March 11, 1921, the daughter of the late Vincent & Josephine Galati and was later raised and educated in Utica. Mary is best known as “Gram” to everyone as she opened her heart and home to all, acknowledging them as her “adopted family” and loved them as her own. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family and friends from babysitting, cooking, making hot tea, instilling love, honesty, and good morals, to playing card games and teasing you by putting you in a “headlock”. She simply enjoyed laughing and bonding with those in her life. Mary is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Linda & Art Finster; devoted grandson and wife, Michael and Sheena Finster; her grandchildren whom she loved, Jennifer & Michael Crawford, Heather & Bob Wilson, Andrea Terrell (John), Sara & Ray Day-Howard, Nacole Rios, Angela Rios, Melito Rios Jr. and Shantel Davis; great grandchildren whom she cherished, JaJuan, Jalecia, Jalayla, Shante, Ashley, Cameron, RJ, Mitchell, Rayjon, Zara, Zakiya, Tre, Ontonio, Romany, Samarah and Gavin Jr. She is also survived by her honorary daughter, Maryann Terrell and many life long friends, those of whom were her extended family and she loved dearly, Lucy Talerico & Melito Rios Sr., Mary Rogowski, Dean Fettes & family, Kelly Dewolfe & family, and the Dickson family. Mary is predeceased by her late husbands, Anthony Dispina, and Chet Longale; her son and daughter-in-law, Anthony & Delores Dispina; son-in-law and wife Don & Josephine Finster; life long friends Laura Talerico and Kenneth Ingerham; and her great great grandson, Michael Crawford Jr. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Hobart Street Clinic, Visiting Nurses Association, and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their support, kindness and empathy during this difficult time. The family will honor and celebrate Mary’s life in a private gathering at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave.

Mary C. (Dispina) Longale

March 11, 1921 - January 11, 2013