Philomena C. (Daniels) Taurisano

Mrs. Philomena C. (Daniels) Taurisano, age 92, of Utica, entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, May 11, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on July 26, 1914, Philomena was the daughter of the late Eleuterio and Grace (Marone) Daniels. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy with the class of 1932. On May 29, 1935 she married Alfred R. Taurisano who passed away on January 21, 1988. In her younger years, Philomena was active in her vocation as a licensed beautician. At one time she held employment with the Utica Knitting Mills. Lastly, she worked for the Utica City School District at Proctor High School for many years, a position from which she retired in 1975. It was in this last endeavor that Philomena’s love of children and young adults was evident as she dedicated her career to shaping their lives. There, she considered the faculty, staff, and students her extended family. As matriarch of the family, Philomena was everything a mother could be --- an excellent seamstress, cook, and teacher. She made it a point to instill the importance of family values and public service in her children. She raised four fine boys, who grew to become hard-working, community-minded family men, a triumph which she treasured. Philomena’s family beliefs brought her to become very active in the school her children attended. She was a charter member of both the Albany Street School PTA and the Proctor High School PTA. She also served as the latter’s first PTA President. She also valued her civic memberships in the Daughters of Columbus, and the Sons of Italy. Her community-minded attitude yielded her the opportunity to serve as an election poll inspector at the voting sites for over 30 years. Politically active in her younger years, when her brother became ill with kidney disease, she worked with former Congressman Alexander Pirnie to obtain the first kidney dialysis machine for the Utica area. She also volunteered at the annual fundraising “feast” of her home parish, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. An excellent cook, Philomena was known for her homemade cavatelli, soup with the meatballs, and assorted Italian cookies. When visiting family and friends, she was never empty-handed; she always brought something special to share. As an avid shopper, she taught her children and grandchildren the art of bargain hunting and shopping at garage sales. Fun-loving and sociable, she enjoyed playing bingo and her annual trip to Saratoga raceway. Her pride and joy was her family, so she thoroughly enjoyed family get-togethers and never forgot a birthday or Christmas present. One Christmas a few years ago, she sewed a fleece blanket for each and every one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Philomena had it all. She was humorous, compassionate, witty, and well-read, but she was also the “salt of the earth”, no pretense, just character. Philomena is survived by her beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Alfred M. “Allie” Taurisano of Utica, with whom she resided and who offered her unending love and care; Michael P. and Gayle E. Taurisano, Eleuterio “Terry” D. and Barbara A. Taurisano, and Philip P. and Kathleen Holt Taurisano, all of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Laine and Sam Berardino, Tami and Michael Pfisterer, Michael V. Taurisano, Kristin and Michael Boutin, Dayle and Thomas Turczyn, David M. and Lisa Taurisano, Daniel and Lisa Taurisano, Dana and Daniel Akers, Courtney M. and Michael Sprague, Philip A. Taurisano, Jr., Robert and Kayln Sanderl, and Kelly and Matthew Grover; and her 16 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her nieces, especially acknowledging Marie Miccoli, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Mary Daniels, Eileen Taurisano, and Michael Taurisano; and her many special friends, including Lucille Taurisano, Toni LoConti, Jane Dziura, and Colleen and Dick Miccoli. She was predeceased by her brothers, Frank Daniels, Enrico Daniels, and Alfred Daniels; her sister, Jean Daniels; and her daughter-in-law, Denise A. Taurisano. The family would like to thank the nurse’s aides at the Charles T. Sitrin Rehabilitation Center; and the doctors, nurses, staff, and security administration of St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their care and compassion. Thanks also to Dr. Sudershan K. Dang who served as Philomena’s primary physician for several years, and other numerous physicians who attended her with respect and regard. Visitation will be held Monday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00, and Tuesday from 11:30 – 12:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Philomena’s honor to the “Philomena Taurisano Scholarship Fund” which will be awarded to a graduate of Proctor High School pursuing a vocational occupation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Philomena’s funeral will commence Tuesday afternoon at 12:30 from the funeral home and at 1:30 at St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place at Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Philomena C. (Daniels) Taurisano

July 26, 1914 - May 11, 2007