Mrs. Natalie M. (Delli Colli) Caruso

Mrs. Natalie M. (Delli Colli) Caruso, age 95, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the Sitrin Health Care Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on December 25, 1919, Natalie was the daughter of the late Umberto and Antoinette (DeGironimo) Delli Colli. She was raised and educated locally. On February 16, 1944 she wed Philip A. Caruso and shared with him 70 years in a marriage built upon teamwork and common goals. Natalie and Philip were good parents and good providers for their family. Philip passed away on April 13, 2014. Like many factory-employed women of her generation, Natalie worked as an assembler at the Utica Knitting Mill and the Doeskin Paper Mill, retiring in 1971. Growing up during the Great Depression provided Natalie with the persistence to persevere at a job no matter how difficult it was. She was thankful for having a good husband and the blessings of her children. She was a hard-working and gracious homemaker and her house was the center for her loved ones to gather. She loved entertaining in her home and holidays in years past were adorned with generous spreads of food and a lot of love around the table. Natalie carried on the time-honored Italian heritage of etiquette and cuisine, traditions passed on to her family and friends. Her home was always open to good friends who loved to visit. Natalie found enjoyment in small pleasures and summers were special to her as a time to gather at the family camp in Old Forge. She was a member of the International Association of Machinists (IAM). She practiced her Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Natalie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Samuel Bottini, Jr. of Utica; her sons and daughters-in-law, Nicholas and Patricia Caruso, and James and Delores Caruso, all of Utica; her grandchildren, Kenneth and Colleen Bottini, Mark and Wanda Bottini, Valerie and David Indolfi, Matthew and Kayliegh Caruso, Stephanie and William ‘Will” Whitty, and Joseph P. Caruso; and her great-grandchildren, Joseph Bottini, Natalie Bottini, Josie Ray Caruso, and the future arrival of two great-granddaughters. Her extended family includes several nieces and nephews, with special mention of her nephew Larry and Ronna Delli Colli; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her sister-in-law, Mary Panella. Natalie was blessed with many special friendships, especially remembering Virginia Albano. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Mildred “Millie” and Joseph D. Martinelli; her brother and sister-in-law, Siro and Carol “Carrie” Delli Colli; her nephew, Ernest R. Caruso; in-laws Ralph and Mary Grace Caruso, infant Ernest Caruso, and Peter Panella; and her friends, Carmela Pepe, and Mary Louise Quadraro. The family is thankful for the compassionate care and concern provided to Natalie by the nurses and aides of the Cypress Home at the Sitrin Health Care Center. The family will honor and commemorate Natalie’s life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Natalie’s funeral service and Celebration of life which will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 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 the Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Natalie M. (Delli Colli) Caruso

December 25, 1919 - January 4, 2015