Rosemary P. (Balsamo) Meola

Mrs. Rosemary P. (Balsamo) Meola, age 79, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 30, 1926, Rosemary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Gigliotti) Balsamo. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On November 5, 1945 she married William G. "Bill" Meola. Rosemary and Bill were deeply devoted to each other, to their children, and to their family life throughout the 60 years of their union prior to his passing which occurred less than a month ago on February 8 of this year. Although her family knows that she has joined her husband and her loved ones who have gone before, it saddens them that she has left them, leaving an empty place in their lives and in their hearts. At one time Mrs. Meola was employed as a salesperson at the Jane Lee Stores. However, her foremost priorities were those related to her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Combining a nurturing manner with her care giving abilities, Rosemary opened the doors of her home and of her heart to all who sought her loyal support. From her earliest childhood days, Rosemary possessed a true dedication to the spiritual aspects of life and over the years developed an ever-deepening love for the Lord. She was especially devoted to Bible study. Mrs. Meola is survived by two daughters, Donna Brutto of Utica, and Danette Meola and Mike Maxam of Whitesboro; and three sons and daughters-in-law, William "Bill" and Angela Meola of Utica, Joseph and Marcia Meola of IA, and Dan Meola of Syracuse. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stephanie Brutto of FL, Kayla Rose Maxam of Whitesboro, Bill and Jodi Meola of Rome, Kara and Craig Stitsinger of OH, Joseph Meola, USM, currently serving in Iraq, Daniel Jr., Michael, and Matthew Meola of Syracuse; her beloved great-granddaughter, Gianna Meola; and several step-grandchildren. In addition, Rosemary was happy and excited because of the eagerly anticipated arrivals of two more family members, the expected babies of her daughter, Danette, and of her granddaughter, Kara. Mrs. Meola's survivors also include her sisters, with whom she shared close and loving relationships, and their husbands, Joan and John Velletto, and Sally and Raymond Arcuri, all of Frankfort; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially acknowledging Rose Trevisani; and her in-laws, Anthony and Josephine Meola. In addition, Rosemary's life was blessed with many meaningful friendships which she cherished deeply and lovingly. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Philomena Meola; and her in-laws, Michael Meola, Violet Tucci, Margaret Vilardi, Carmella Peters, and Helen Gigliotti. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the personnel of the ICU at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their professionalism, guidance, and support. Visitation will be held today (Sunday) from 2-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Because Rosemary possessed a special respect for Native Americans and a sincere admiration for their culture, she will be honored with a Native American Ceremony presided over by Royal, a longtime family friend; this tribute will be conducted today at 5:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider honoring Rosemary and her interest in Native American culture with donations to Comanche Little Ponies or to the St. Joseph Indian School; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Meola's funeral will commence tomorrow (Monday) at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. "Mom, you will always be our Guardian Angel." SPONSORED LINKS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertise | Customer Service | Sign up for our newsletter | Site map uticaOD.com | Gannett Co., Inc. | Terms of service Use of this site signifies your agreement to our Terms of Service (updated 12/20/2002). Copyright © 2003 uticaOD.com / Observer-Dispatch. • • • • • • Mrs. Rosemary P. (Balsamo) Meola, age 79, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 30, 1926, Rosemary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Gigliotti) Balsamo. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On November 5, 1945 she married William G. "Bill" Meola. Rosemary and Bill were deeply devoted to each other, to their children, and to their family life throughout the 60 years of their union prior to his passing which occurred less than a month ago on February 8 of this year. Although her family knows that she has joined her husband and her loved ones who have gone before, it saddens them that she has left them, leaving an empty place in their lives and in their hearts. At one time Mrs. Meola was employed as a salesperson at the Jane Lee Stores. However, her foremost priorities were those related to her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Combining a nurturing manner with her care giving abilities, Rosemary opened the doors of her home and of her heart to all who sought her loyal support. From her earliest childhood days, Rosemary possessed a true dedication to the spiritual aspects of life and over the years developed an ever-deepening love for the Lord. She was especially devoted to Bible study. Mrs. Meola is survived by two daughters, Donna Brutto of Utica, and Danette Meola and Mike Maxam of Whitesboro; and three sons and daughters-in-law, William "Bill" and Angela Meola of Utica, Joseph and Marcia Meola of IA, and Dan Meola of Syracuse. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stephanie Brutto of FL, Kayla Rose Maxam of Whitesboro, Bill and Jodi Meola of Rome, Kara and Craig Stitsinger of OH, Joseph Meola, USM, currently serving in Iraq, Daniel Jr., Michael, and Matthew Meola of Syracuse; her beloved great-granddaughter, Gianna Meola; and several step-grandchildren. In addition, Rosemary was happy and excited because of the eagerly anticipated arrivals of two more family members, the expected babies of her daughter, Danette, and of her granddaughter, Kara. Mrs. Meola's survivors also include her sisters, with whom she shared close and loving relationships, and their husbands, Joan and John Velletto, and Sally and Raymond Arcuri, all of Frankfort; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially acknowledging Rose Trevisani; and her in-laws, Anthony and Josephine Meola. In addition, Rosemary's life was blessed with many meaningful friendships which she cherished deeply and lovingly. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Philomena Meola; and her in-laws, Michael Meola, Violet Tucci, Margaret Vilardi, Carmella Peters, and Helen Gigliotti. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the personnel of the ICU at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their professionalism, guidance, and support. Visitation will be held today (Sunday) from 2-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Because Rosemary possessed a special respect for Native Americans and a sincere admiration for their culture, she will be honored with a Native American Ceremony presided over by Royal, a longtime family friend; this tribute will be conducted today at 5:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider honoring Rosemary and her interest in Native American culture with donations to Comanche Little Ponies or to the St. Joseph Indian School; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Meola's funeral will commence tomorrow (Monday) at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. "Mom, you will always be our Guardian Angel." • • • • • • • • • • • •

Rosemary P. (Balsamo) Meola

September 30, 1926 - March 1, 2006