Nancy (Filletti) DeMartino

SHREWSBURY, NJ / UTICA – Nancy (Filletti) DeMartino, age 104, a longtime resident of the Utica area, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in New Jersey, where she had moved in recent years to be close to her family. Born in Utica on March 25, 1921, Nancy was the daughter of the late Bruno and Stella (Tripepi) Filletti. Raised and educated locally, she attended Roscoe Conkling Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On November 9, 1946, Nancy was united in marriage with John J. “John D.” DeMartino. Together they built a life centered on love and family. Their home was filled with devotion, laughter, and many treasured memories. The couple shared more than 63 wonderful years together prior to John’s passing on August 8, 2010. For many years, Nancy worked alongside her husband in the operation of the family business, John’s Liquors, on Litchfield Street in Frankfort. The store became a neighborhood staple, and through it they formed many lasting friendships. Nancy’s caring spirit and warm heart left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Nancy was a woman of creativity, grace, and remarkable skill. Gifted with artistic talent, she loved painting and collecting antique porcelain dolls. Her meticulous craftsmanship was evident in everything she created—she could sew or knit anything by hand, from Halloween costumes to baptism gowns. These handmade treasures have been lovingly passed down through generations, carrying her legacy of love and artistry. Nancy cherished spending time with her sister Palma, her lifelong companion and shopping partner. Every Saturday, they enjoyed shopping trips with their many nieces, a tradition filled with laughter and joy. In later years, she found happiness in the company of her great-grandchildren, whose visits she treasured dearly. A woman of faith, Nancy was a devoted member of St. Mary of Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament Parish, where she drew comfort and strength from her lifelong devotion to God. Nancy is survived by her son, Richard A. and Leisa DeMartino. She treasured the memory of her son who preceded her, Dr. John DeMartino. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Kathy DeMartino; grandchildren, John Stanley DeMartino, Kateri DeMartino; Lauren and Christian Vasilakopoulos, Kimberly and Kevin Rinkewich, and their mother, Beth DeMartino; and great-grandchildren, George, and Theo Vasilakopoulos; and Charlotte Rinkewich. She fondly remembered her siblings and their spouses who preceded her, Palma and Francis “Frank” M. Percia, Grace and Jack Morgan, and Carmen and Corinne Filletti. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dominic and Angeline (Scandura) DeMartino; nephew, Carmen B. Filletti; and niece, Dolores L. Calenda. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Sunrise Assisted Living for the kindness, compassion, and care they extended to Nancy and her loved ones over the past four years. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Nancy’s honor may be made to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish by mail to 648 Jay St., Utica, NY 13501; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Nancy’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Nancy (Filletti) DeMartino

March 25, 1921 - December 4, 2025