Mrs. Philomena "Fannie" (Desiato) Christiano

UTICA - Mrs. Philomena “Fannie” (Desiato) Christiano, age 91, passed into eternal life on Friday, November 9, 2018 at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare and is now reunited with loved ones who have waited to welcome her. Born in Utica on May 2, 1927, Philomena was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Antoinette (Bissone) Desiato. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. On September 6, 1947 she married Joseph F. Christiano with whom she shared 60 years prior to his passing on April 29, 2008. They were the original “Edith and Archie Bunker”, and they were in love to the very end. At one time, Fannie held a position with the General Electric Radio/Receiver plant on Bleecker Street. Lastly, she was employed by the Masonic Care Community, the position from which she retired at the age of 73. When faced with adversity, no matter what the reach of her challenges, she rose to the occasion with the help of God and the love of her family. She maintained her independence and was a survivor. As a matriarch and mother, she shared her words of wisdom and encouragement with her loved ones and expected the best from them. Her personal regard for her friends was a sure sign of her affection for them, and when she said, “Ohooo…” or “Oh, my God”, it was her way of saying she acknowledged the moment or reaction in a conversation. Fannie was the ultimate shopper, back in the day, after dinner, off she went with her husband to browse the stores. It was a form of entertainment and a pleasurable time for her. She had a slipper collection that was second to none, and because she was a bit of a fashion plate, she loved “parfume” to accent her apparel. Fannie’s children were close to her and only a phone call away. They faithfully visited her to share special events and important moments. She loved her children and grandchildren beyond words, and her great-grandchildren put her over the moon. A parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, Fannie prayed daily and held a reverence for Holy Mass. Fannie is survived by her children and their loves, Tina and Ken Dardano, and Phyllis M. Christiano and Rick Trinco. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter Marie “MiMi” Arcuri who passed away on July 27, 2009. She also leaves her son-in-law, Nicholas “Nick” Arcuri, Jr.; her grandchildren, Anthony and Maria Dardano, Ken Dardano Jr., and Chrissy Dardano. (She also held in her heart her grandson Joseph P. “Joey” Dardano who preceded her on June 5, 2015); and grandchildren Nicholas Arcuri III, Kim-Marie and John Kleaka; Nicole L. and Ashley Latini, and John Michael and Courtney Latini; great-grandchildren, Tony Dardano, Vinny Dardano, Jed Dardano, Kaylee Dardano; Nicholas Jon Arcuri, and Logan Tyler Arcuri; Taryn Marie Kleaka, and Emerson Paige Kleaka; and Leo John Latini. She will also be remembered by her sister and brother-in-law, Freida and Leo Ferraro; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Marian Desiato, and Theresa and Bill Simonik; and the many wonderful friends who blessed her life throughout the years. She was predeceased by her brother, Angelo Desiato; in-laws, infant John Christiano, Angelo and Marie Christiano, Louis D. and Grace Christiano, Margaret “Marge” and Dominick Greco, and Arthur and Anna Christiano; and her niece, Deborah L. “Debbie” Crouse. The family is grateful to the ICU staff at St. Luke’s Healthcare who attended to Fannie with compassion and love; the Office of the Aging for their services through the years; and Fr. Pasik for his prayers and Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The family honored and commemorated Fannie’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Fannie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 11:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Committal Prayers and Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum.

Mrs. Philomena "Fannie" (Desiato) Christiano

May 2, 1927 - November 9, 2018