Mrs. Rose Mary (Conino) Sperry Azzarito

UTICA - Mrs. Rose Mary (Conino) Sperry Azzarito, age 88, peacefully went into the arms of the Lord as she passed away on Friday, June 17, 2022 surrounded by her supportive and loving family. Born in Utica on July 24, 1933, Rose Mary was the daughter of the late Antonio and Carmella (Valenti) Conino. Ro attended Brandegee Elementary School and T.R. Proctor High School. At one time she was wed to Edwin D. Sperry and to that union came the blessing of two sons. She entered into a second union in 1971 when she married Dominick R. Azzarito. They shared in a mutually compassionate relationship and blended their additional children. Dominick passed away on February 14, 1981. A longtime associate at Jet Cleaners, Ro was precise and devoted in her duties. Her job performance was “second to none”, a testimony offered by a great number who knew how much she loved her work. As the matriarch of her family, Ro expressed her love in many ways as a caregiver. She prepared and cooked for family gatherings, especially on Christmas Eve and the Feast of the 7 Fishes, an Italian tradition appreciated and propagated by her mom and dad during her childhood. Ro’s heart and home were open to all and numerous loved ones knew of her unconditional hospitality. She was appreciated for her loving concern and efforts. She always rose to the occasion because she was a truly selfless woman with a caring heart. Ro practiced her Catholic faith as a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and kept the Lord close to her heart. Her greatest blessing was her children who graced her life and so often spoke the words “I love you” to their beloved mom who returned the sentiment in kind ~ words that will carry on to the next generation. Rose Mary is survived by her children and their spouses, Ronald J. Sperry, Andrew J. and Michele Azzarito, Fred R. and Christine Sperry, and Reneé M. Azzarito-Larkin and her husband Tom; her grandchildren, Brian and Bonnie Sperry, Christina and Joe Fritzinger, Craig Sperry; Angela and Erin Kelly, Andrew Azzarito; Stephen and Deanna Polera; Nicole and Steve Sarcone, and Dr. Rachel Sergott; and great-grandchildren, Ian; Levi, and Gabriel; Andrew, Joseph, and Olivia; Giovanni; Zoë; and Maxon. She is additionally survived by her sisters and brother-in-law, Joanne Spinks (and her late husband Charles), and Patricia “Patty” and Bruce Olmstead. She was preceded by her siblings and their spouses, Theresa and Vern Wild, Nancy Conino-Santucci and her husband Charles, and Andrew D. Conino. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; sister-in-law, Carol Conino; and the many friendships that blessed Rose Mary throughout her life. She was predeceased by her special friend, David O. Rossi, Sr. who passed away in 2019. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Toby Taylor who was efficient and compassionate, and his staff, especially Dyan/RN who was so special; the 5th Floor staff at MVHS at St. Luke’s Campus who provided personal and special attention to Rose Mary’s care, with special mention of Debbie (Kupiec) Sellars/RN. A special thank you is extended to Rev. Joe Salerno for sharing the Anointing of the Sick Sacrament with such grace. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rose Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning, June 23, 2022 at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Ro’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation online at www.jdrf.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Rose Mary (Conino) Sperry Azzarito

July 24, 1933 - June 17, 2022