Rose M. (Villelo) Grico

Rose M. (Villelo) Grico, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Born in Utica, Rose was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Suppa) Villelo. She was raised and educated locally. At one time she was married to Peter J. “Pete the Snake” Grico who passed away in 1983. During World War II, Rose worked as a nurse’s aide at Rhodes Hospital where she met her husband who was a disabled combat veteran. She later held a position at Mele Manufacturing as an assembler. A devoted and dedicated mother whose primary focus was her children, Rose had an unconditional love for them and never burdened them with unnecessary worries. She was most proud of her independence, always walking to her destinations. When walking was prohibitive, she rode the bus. She was respectful of her family heritage and admired the generations before her, and worried for those who followed. Rose is survived by her son, John J. Grico of Clinton. She held close to her heart the memory of her daughter, Janet M. Grico-Cooper, who passed away in 2008. She also leaves her son-in-law, James Cooper of Wichita Falls, TX; her grandchildren, Deani and Dave Johnson, Casey and James Wolak, Ronald Weaver, Delene Weaver, and Jody Weaver; and she always remembered her infant grandson, Dean Peter Grico, who preceded her in death. She will also be missed by her 14 great-grandchildren; and her numerous great-great-grandchildren, including Milano L. Grico with whom Rose held a special bond. She was predeceased by a great-great-granddaughter, Makiah Renee Johnson in 2009. Her extended family includes several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, two sisters-in-law, and her special friends and neighbors, Ada “Red” Vega, and Anna McCormick. She was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony, Frank, and Raymond Villelo; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Stanley Dorozynski, and Ellen and Albert Macera. The family would like to thank Dr. Jerry Sloan and the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for the professional and compassionate care rendered to Rose. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Rose’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Fr. Anthony P. LaFache officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.