Rachael F. (Cannarella) Aiello

Mrs. Rachael F. (Cannarella) Aiello, age 89, was reunited with her husband when she passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her family by her side. Born in Utica on February 15, 1925, Rachael was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Francesca (Bertucci) Cannarella. She was raised and educated locally. On October 26, 1946 she married Salvatore J. “Sam” Aiello with whom she shared 58 years; their life together was blessed with love, respect, and affection for one another until his passing on January 2, 2005. Rachael’s attention was centered on her home and family. She was a woman of faith, determination, sacrifice, and resourcefulness, the hallmarks of a woman of her era. Rachael taught her children the values and lessons of how to live a good life, and each of them, as a part of her, continued to love, honor, and admire her. Besides being a marvelous mother, she was also a masterful grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the go-to person that everyone turned to for help or support, Rachael showed her love as many Italian mothers do, by feeding you. She mastered the art of cooking, but baking was her forte. She made homemade cookie trays for her family and friends, and her home was a haven for all. She had a comical sense of humor, made songs magical, and was the life of the party on many occasions. Each holiday was special and a time of reflection for both Rachael and Sam to see their family gathered together.. Halloween was a very exciting time for her as she decorated, organized the festivities, and welcomed all to her home to share in the “tricks or treats”. Rachael enjoyed visiting with her family, especially at her sister’s camp where many good times were had. All in all, Rachael lived a simple life, but one that was rich in love and memories. The greatest gift of her life was the wonderful man who shared it with her and the godsend of her four girls and the generations that followed. Rachael was grounded in her Catholic faith, believed in her God, and recited the rosary for the wellbeing of others. She instilled these beliefs in her family and practiced her faith as a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Rachael is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Rosalie and Tony Pezzulo, Fran and Bart Scalise, Virginia and Vincent Colucci, and Joanne Aiello, all of Utica; her grandchildren, Tony and Kathy Pezzulo, Michael and Karen Pezzulo; Richard Scalise and Adrienne Albin, Gina Scalise; Nicholas and Kristin Colucci, Mark and Audra Colucci; Alicia DeMichele and Ajdin Lovic, and Samantha DeMichele; her great-grandchildren, Anthony, Andrew, and Kayla Pezzulo; Olivia, and Elise Pezzulo; Sam Scalise; Ava, and Ariana Colucci, Julia, and Michael Colucci; Ajla, Ajdin, and Adam Lovic. She will be lovingly remembered by her twin sister Connie M. Putrello who was her best friend and shared in a bond of love that truly connected them. Her extended family includes her many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph G. and Frances Cannarella; and her in-laws, Morris J. “Moe” Putrello, and James and Congetta Mineo. The family extends sincere appreciation to the compassionate and loving staff of the Yonkers Household at the Masonic Care Community of NY who cared for Rachael and her family; and Rev. Mark Kaminski for his visits and prayers. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit flowers. Rachael’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Committal Prayers and Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Rachael F. (Cannarella) Aiello

February 15, 1925 - July 30, 2014