Mary "Marie" A. (Zito) Guarnieri

Mrs. Mary “Marie” A. (Zito) Guarnieri, age 81, passed away in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Her passing from this world was unexpected and peaceful. Born in Utica on February 17, 1931, Mary was the daughter of the late Louis and Josephine (Columbro) Zito. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1948. On November 27, 1952 she married Frank V. Guarnieri with whom she shared 33 years prior to his passing on April 14, 1986; the couple was mutually supportive of each other’s needs, and united in raising their children with love and understanding. Marie had a solid work ethic and was meticulous at everything that encompassed her life. Several local businesses would fondly remember her as an employee, including the former Oneida National Bank, Genesee Optical, and Lowe’s Cinema National. Also, because of her nurturing nature, she was sought out by many to look over their children in her home. Marie was loved, respected, and trusted; she was held in high regard for her parental guidance skills and her patience with children. In fact, Marie cared for the youngsters under her watch as if they were her own, a testimony to the “hallmark of her life’s work”. She was generous and genuine, with good intentions and a happy heart. Her home’s interior and exterior were personally adorned which gave her much pleasure. She had excessive energy and took her domestic duties very seriously. She shared a great closeness with her children; she was their confidant and one who listened intently. Her grandchildren enjoyed conversations which imparted her wisdom and desire to know, and which helped to shape them into the individuals they became as the years passed. Marie especially loved the holidays and family birthdays, and her loved ones will long remember those special times made most precious by her special touches. Marie held a deep and abiding spirituality that guided her in making life’s decisions. She filled her days with activity, and later on she would relax by watching a good movie and a couple of innings of a Yankee game. Marie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christine M. and Joseph A. Tresoline; her son, Frank V. Guarnieri; and her grandchildren, Kara Marie Tresoline, and Joey C. Tresoline. She will also be remembered by her sister and brother-in-law, Roccotelle “Tillie” and Joseph Pisani; in-laws Gloria Duniec, Doris Curcio, Rosemarie and Frank DeFazio, and Joann and Peter Schuman; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, including Lenore Falvo. Marie’s wish was to have her family gather at a private time to honor and commemorate her life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.