Mrs. Sally Rita (Graziano) Petrillo

Mrs. Sally Rita (Graziano) Petrillo, age 96, passed away on Monday, January 21, 2013 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Coxsackie, NY on December 4, 1916, Sally was the daughter of the late Philip and Rose (Paletta) Graziano. She was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On May 17, 1941 she married Theodore J. Petrillo with whom she shared 61 years in an affectionate and admirable relationship prior to his passing on December 9, 2002. The couple was committed to their marriage, their children, and family life. In 1956 Sally accepted a position as secretary to Sister Rose Vincent of St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and she subsequently served Sister as Administrative Secretary for 33 years. This was a rewarding partnership filled with challenge, excitement, and memorable opportunities, a calling from which she retired in 1989. As the matriarch of her family, she cherished her loved ones above all else, and was loved and respected as an outstanding and exemplary mother. A gracious and well attired woman, she had a very welcoming personality and was a cordial entertainer, especially for family gatherings around the dining room table. She loved to celebrate events in her life, and enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. She treasured her memories of visiting the coast of Maine to visit with family. Sally was fervently committed to helping her fellow man and all God’s creatures through her memberships in the Guild at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Development Council at St. Elizabeth, the Christ Child Society, the Catholic Women’s Club, Munson-Williams Proctor Arts Institute, Utica Zoo, Stevens-Swan Humane Society, the Rescue Mission of Utica, and her long time support of the James Nunn Memorial Fund and its many good charitable works. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Sally is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Maryellen P. and Alfred F. Miller of Canastota; her sons and daughter-in-law, Theodore J. Jr. and Phyllis Petrillo of Whitesboro, and Robert J. Petrillo of Utica; her grandchildren, Suzanne and Scott McCandless of Orchard Park, Debra and Mark Babowicz of Oneida, David and Judy Petrillo of Schenectady, Steven and Andrea Petrillo of Danbury, CT, Elizabeth A. Petrillo of New Hartford, and Robert J. Miller of Canastota; and her nine great-grandchildren, Sarah, Gabrielle, Maxwell, Erin, Bryce, Zachary, Danielle, Nicole, and Gianna. Her memory also lives in the hearts of her sisters and brother-in-law, Patricia and James Campbell of Biddeford, ME, and Joan Graziano of Clinton; she loved and was loved by her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Sally shared the love, respect and friendship of many wonderful people throughout her life. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jennie Graziano; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary A. Graziano, Katherine “Kay” and Daniel Verrenti, Constance “Connie” and Angelo Paige, Teresa “Tess” and Humbert Pacini, and Joseph Graziano; her in-laws, Victor and Gladys Petrillo; and her best friends, Sister Rose Vincent, Pauline S’Doia, Eleanor Whitman, and Camille Cavallo. The family was deeply touched by the compassion and special care offered by the nurses and entire staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Special Care Unit. They would also like to acknowledge Sally’s “extended family”, the Academy at Southgate from which many wonderful friendships were generated. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. (The family will remain until all visitors have been seen) For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Sally’s honor to the Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School Theodore Petrillo, Sr. Scholarship Fund, or the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Sally’s funeral service will commence on Friday 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 celebrated by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mrs. Sally Rita (Graziano) Petrillo

December 4, 1916 - January 21, 2013