Mrs. Sara M. (Scalzo) Pezzulo

UTICA - Mrs. Sara M. (Scalzo) Pezzulo, age 93, was reunited with her Lord and her family when she passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Born in Utica on October 21, 1927, Sara was the daughter of the late Anthony and Maria Fortunata (Pingitore) Scalzo. She was raised and educated locally. On August 17, 1948 she married Michael N. Pezzulo with whom she shared 48 years prior to his passing on November 9, 1996. She was very devoted to her family, especially her grandson Robert Michael. He was grandma’s “little bambino”, and her world revolved around him. She doted upon him, shared her wisdom with him, and bestowed to him meaningful gifts of love that endeared his heart and enhanced his life. Sara made the best lemon pepper chicken and potatoes, she roasted her green peppers which created the most awesome smell in the house, then added crusty Italian bread to make the best sandwich anyone could want. She was the quintessential Italian grandma who intuitively knew that food was a “way to the soul”. She embraced the simple rituals that were set in stone, and she led a simple, predictable life that spanned an unpredictable nine decades! A fastidious housekeeper, Sara was ‘tidy as can be’ because her mission was “clean, clean, clean!” Her personal presentation and apparel also reflected her pristine image to the very end. She was of the Catholic faith. Sara was preceded in death by her daughter, Maureen Pezzulo on April 30, 2018. She is survived by her beloved grandson, Robert Michael Meacham; and son-in-law, George Schlotterer. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Melloney Hathaway, Charlain Greene, Michael Nasto, and Carol Zegarelli; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Augustine “Augie” Zegarelli, Theresa and Bill Ransom, Antoinette and Austin Giordano, and Carmella “Cora” and Michael Nasto; brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Sarah Scalzo, Sam Scalzo, and Peter Scalzo; and her in-laws, Anthony and Lena Pezzulo, Vincent Pezzulo, Nicholas and Mary Pezzulo, Stephen and Lillian Pezzulo, Ursula and Michael Nasto, Caroline “Lillian” Pezzulo, Mary DeMarco, and Carmella “Pudgy” and Matteo DeCola. The family extends their appreciation to the Katherine Luther Residential Health Care & Rehabilitation Center for the kind care rendered to Sara during her stay. Memories of Sara will live in the hearts of her loved ones. Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend Sara’s Celebratory Committal prayers which will commence on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:00 at Christ Our Savior Mausoleum Chapel in Calvary Cemetery. Face masks are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Sara’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mrs. Sara M. (Scalzo) Pezzulo

October 21, 1927 - January 12, 2021