Mrs. Rachel R. Sciortino

Mrs. Rachel R. (Tedesco) Sciortino, age 93, of Utica, passed away on December 3, 2015 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on January 3, 1922, Rachel was the daughter of the late Joseph and Antoinette (Caroli) Tedesco. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1940. On February 18, 1946 she married Frank A. Sciortino with whom she shared over 66 years in a loving marriage unti his passing on August 26, 2012. During her career days, Rachel held a clerical position as a secretary at the Utica Board of Education, and in 1968 she was appointed personal secretary to former Utica Mayor Dominick Assaro, an assignment that inspired her love of politics. She went on to support local Democratic candidates and was a compelling and charismatic campaigner well into her 80’s. She was principled and perceptive in all her political activities, presenting her convictions clearly and honestly. It was inherent in Rachel’s nature to be giving of her time to the things she loved. A wise and resourceful shopper, she organized her coupons and sought out the best sales. In her heart and mind, Rachel was non-judgmental and saw the inner beauty of all people. She was blessed with friends from every walk of life. Above all else, she was a proud and loving mother and grandmother who always acclaimed the best attributes and accomplishments of her loved ones. Rachel was a member of many religious and civic organizations and clubs including the St. Anne’s Society, the Catholic Women’s Club, the Christ Child Society, the Mount Carmel Society of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, the St. Rosalia Society, the Oneida County Democratic Women’s Club, and the North Utica Senior Center. As a faithful communicant of her parish, Rachel was very active in the festivities and willingly and wholeheartedly gave her time and talent to all church functions. For many years, she was in charge of preparing the pizza fritta whenever it was offered at Church or at the St. Rosalia Festival. Rachel meticulously assisted in preparing the “black pepper” cookies with fellow parishoners. In recollecting Rachel’s life, we will remember her as a woman who made a positive impact on her family, her community, and her church. Rachel is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Rosanne and Peter MacPhail of New Hartford, and Janna Kane of Philadelphia, PA; her grandchildren, David and Brook Baumgartner, Matthew Baumgartner, Steven and Melissa Baumgartner; and Ben Kane and his girlfriend Hannah Levavi. She kept the memory of her son-in-law, Brandt Baumgartner, who passed away on May 31, 2000. She also leaves her great-grandchildren, Alison, Sam, Lidia, and Anthony Baumgartner; and her sister, Frances Ciaccia of Rome NY. She will also remain in the hearts of many family and friends, including members of the Ciaccia, Ostler, Matt, Sciortino, Blando, Giruzzi, and Maneen families; her sister-in-law Jane Maneen; and her friends, Penny Assaro, Lou and Lee Critelli, Angie Pedone, and Palma DeSarro. She was predeceased by her sister, Alice Ostler; her in-laws, Lawrence Ciaccia, Philip and Rosalia Sciortino, and Salvatore “Sam” Maneen; her niece, Darlene E. LaPorte; her cousin, Vincenza “Chinzie” Inserra; and her two beloved best friends, Angie DiNigro, and Margaret Schepsis. The family is grateful to Dr. Francis Constantine and Dr. Guy Wilcox for their care and friendship, who afforded much solace; the staff at the Villas of Sherman Brook for their personalized concern; and the personnel of the Windham Hall at the Masonic Care Community of NY for their kindness and compassion, especially Social Worker, Melinda, who went above and beyond when concerning Rachel’s wellbeing. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Rachel’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Rachel R. Sciortino

January 3, 1922 - December 3, 2015