Mary J. (DeTraglia) Stampalia

Mrs. Mary J. (DeTraglia) Stampalia, age 88, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2005, in the comfort of her home. Born in Utica on July 11, 1917, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (DiRusso) DeTraglia. Raised and educated locally, she was proud to have been a member of the first graduating class at T.R. Proctor High School in 1938. The following year she graduated from the Eastern Academy of Laboratory Technique and then pursued a career in various locales outside the Utica area. In August of 1947 she married Mathew Stampalia with whom she shared a union of more than 55 years prior to his passing on March 12, 2003. Mary was a devoted and supportive wife, one who was deeply dedicated to providing a good family life and also to assisting her husband in his business ventures. Mrs. Stampalia was employed for 30 years at the Masonic Home, more recently known as the Masonic Care Community of NY, where she was highly respected and regarded as the Supervisor of the X-Ray and Laboratory Dept. She also owned and operated The Doctor's Laboratory, a facility which performed medical and lab testing. On a different note, she utilized her innate creative talent and the knowledge she gained from her studies in dressmaking at the Pittsburgh Fashion Institute to establish and maintain an excellent and well-deserved reputation as a private and custom dressmaker as well as the owner of Parisi Bridals. Mary was gifted and well-educated in several different fields; in addition she had a natural ability to extend herself and grow beyond the limits of her nuclear family. As a result, she was able to strike a perfect balance between her family and her various career interests. She was rightfully proud that she was as successful in caring for her family's happiness, as she was in the many accomplishments in her professional life. An excellent cook and baker, Mary especially loved to decorate her home and then to prepare and host a traditional Christmas Eve celebration. She enjoyed all other holidays, both religious and secular, as well. In addition to family, she was not only able to remain closely connected with her loved ones, but she also infused her friendships with a sense of security and dependability. In fact, her whole life revolved around loving and caring for others. She was a woman of deep and assured spirituality, one whose steadfast faith motivated her to daily prayer and community outreach activities, such as volunteering at Mt. Zion where she assisted in the food ministries for the Compassion Coalition. As a leisure-time activity, Mary was an experienced and knowledgeable traveler. Mrs. Stampalia is survived by a daughter, Susan D. Salerno of Manlius; a son, Anthony J. Stampalia of Ronkonkoma, NY; and her granddaughter and "bella bambina," Jennifer M. Salerno of Manlius. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially acknowledging Mary Raab; and her many loving friends with special mention of Pat and John Morgan, Vita Scalise, Grace Miccoli, and her good neighbor, Mary Anne Myrda. She was predeceased by two sisters, Rose Testa, and Frances Domenicone; and five brothers, Frank, Anthony, Peter, Vincent, and Dominick. Because of the excellent care he provided, Mary and Dr. Daniel Goodman developed a true respect and admiration for one another: for this mutual esteem her family is deeply grateful. In addition, they extend their thanks to the personnel of the Office of the Aging. Visitation will be held today (Tuesday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations to Mt. Zion Ministries; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Stampalia's funeral service will commence at 10:00 Wednesday morning at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Andrew of Mt. Zion Ministries officiating. Entombment will take place in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mary J. (DeTraglia) Stampalia

July 11, 1917 - December 3, 2005