Patricia A. "Patty" Cecilia

UTICA - Patricia A. “Patty” Cecilia, age 56, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2017 with those who loved her most at her side. Born in Utica on September 17, 1960, Patricia was the daughter of Virginia (Mallozzi) Cecilia and the late John A. Cecilia. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1978. She continued her education at Utica College of Syracuse University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism in 1982 and a Master of Science degree in Adolescence Education in 2005. Patty began her academic career in the Utica City School District in 2005 at T.R. Proctor High School teaching English to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Currently, she felt privileged to be an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor at the Learning Center at Proctor. Patty maintained high standards for herself and her students. She was extraordinarily hardworking and coordinated her curriculum with other content area disciplines. Patty was humorous and witty, and a stickler for syntax and semantics. Grammatical errors never escaped her critical eye. She was recognized by many as an exceptional educator. Patty was altruistic, always thinking of others before herself, especially her mom. She spent quality time with her and cared for her. She was blessed with nieces and nephews who she considered her own. In so many ways, she was their second mother and go-to auntie, and they loved her so much. Their lives will be different without her, but their many memories of her will remain. Her pastimes included golf and league bowling, reading on varied subjects, and movies, including documentaries at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Film Series. Patty was the arbiter of family affairs and she proposed peaceful solutions to problems … and then ordered a pizza! Patricia is survived by her beloved mom, Virg; her sisters and brothers-in-law who adored her, Joann and Steve Carl of New Hartford, and Lori and Jeff Farrell of Oriskany. She had a special relationship with each of her nieces and nephews and because she knew each of their personalities and fashion styles, she always picked out the most perfect gifts for them: Jenna Carl, Shelby Carl, Mackenzie Carl; Daniel Farrell, and Samuel Farrell. She also leaves her aunts and uncles, Jean Green, and Rosemary and Dave Martin; her many cousins who have been wonderful and supportive; and her friends, Dorothy Buley and Rosann Mino, who were part of the family and looked upon as “sisters”. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Gino and Rose (DiPietro) Cecilia; and her maternal grandparents, Nicholas and Josephine (Perretta) Mallozzi. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Merima Ramovic-Zobic in whose guidance Patty put her faith; Dr. Dilip Kachare who offered honest advice and comfort; the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Interventional Radiology Department for their compassionate care; and the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. who provided peace and assurance to all. She was blessed and never forgotten by her family, her friends, and her fellow T.R. Proctor staff and students. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all have been greeted. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Patricia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Patricia A. "Patty" Cecilia

September 17, 1960 - May 1, 2017