Mrs. Philomena D. "Phil" (Cucharale) MacCrea

Mrs. Philomena D. “Phil” (Cucharale) MacCrea, age 86, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2013 at The Pines Rehabilitation Center with her devoted daughter at her bedside. Philomena was born in Utica on January 12, 1927, the daughter of the late Antonio and Marie Angela (Pandolf) Cucharale. The youngest of eight children, she was raised locally and educated in Utica schools. On October 26, 1946 at St. Anthony of Padua Church she married the love of her life, Harold W. MacCrea; an inseparable couple, they were devoted to one another and shared a blessed union of 47 years until Harold’s passing on January 21, 1994. Philomena was a dedicated homemaker, who later worked at J.B. Wells Department Store, and then at the General Electric Company for several years. After a time, Phil returned to what she really enjoyed – being a wife and mother, and taking care of her home. Phil and her husband enjoyed Saturday evenings dancing at Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club and Trinkaus Manor along with her brother and sister-in-law, Rocco and Lena. She also liked travelling with her husband, daughter and extended family, most recently enjoying their trips to Alexandria Bay on the St. Lawrence River. She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Phil is survived by her daughter, Sharon MacCrea of Utica; her sister, Carmela Etergineoso of Tamarac, FL; and her brother and sister-in-law, Rocco and Lena Cuchiarale of Frankfort. In addition, she leaves her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Melanie Bell, Rita Rotundo, and Robert Grande; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, including Aimee Bell and Thomas G. Bell. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Florence Cucharale, Nicholas and Dorothy Cucharale, and Henry L. “Cutter” and Mary Ann Cuchiarale; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Peter Levito, and Mary and Nicholas P. Pepperine; and her brothers-in-law, Angelo Grande, and Anthony “Tony” Etergineoso. The family extends gratitude to the nurses and staff at The Pines at Utica, Dr. Naji El Khoury and staff, and the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., with special acknowledgment of Jill and Mary who were especially attentive to Phil’s needs. Visitation will be held Monday morning from 11:00-12:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Philomena’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Philomena D. "Phil" (Cucharale) MacCrea

January 12, 1927 - February 22, 2013