Mrs. Teresa C. "Terry" (Valenti) Bevivino

CLINTON – Teresa C. “Terry” (Valenti) Bevivino passed to be with The Lord, her loving children by her side. Teresa suffered from Dementia caused by Alzheimer disease for 16 years. She was 85 years old. Born in Utica on June 28, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Dominick and Rose (Malone) Valenti of Utica, Teresa was 8 when her own mother passed away. Teresa’s father served his country in the Navy, and Teresa was thereafter raised by her paternal grandmother, Mary Valenti. Teresa’s life was not an easy one. Her love of dance, which she taught at the local dance hall, helped her survive her darker days without her parents. Teresa worked hard and graduated from Proctor High School where she met her beloved husband, Dominic F. Bevivino, who was the son of Andrew and Angela Bevivino of East Utica. They were married in Mount Carmel Church in 1952. While Dominic served as a Staff Sergeant at Sampson Air Force Base, Teresa worked at a local insurance agency in Geneva, NY. This was the beginning of her long career in the insurance industry. They had two children, Paula Ann, and Michael Andrew. They built their dream home in Clinton and had another child in 1964, Angela who tragically died from heart disease in 1969. Teresa and Dominic were deeply heartbroken and this loss took a toll on the whole family. Teresa survived breast cancer in 1973, and shortly thereafter Dominic died at age 42 from a massive heart attack in 1974. In 1976 the home they built in Clinton burned down and Teresa picked herself up once again to try and rebuild her life. Her determination paid off when she was promoted to Supervisor of the Underwriting Department at Metropolitan Insurance Company in Oriskany and later as an executive at Metropolitan’s Home Office in Warwick, RI. She enjoyed her new life and home where she made many cherished friends along the way. She retired in 1996 and she moved back to Clinton to be closer to her growing family. Terry was involved with many community groups, often serving as president or in being a very enthusiastic member. She got to travel and enjoy many trips with close friends. Teresa was cherished by her daughter, Paula Urbanke and son-in-law, Craig Urbanke of Holland Patent, and her son Michael Bevivino and her daughter-in-law, Tricia Bevivino of Manlius. Her true joy was her grandchildren, Laura (Dubiel) and Jeff Carpenter, April (Dubiel) and John Collis; Michael II and Jessica Bevivino, David J. and Tracey Bevivino, and Eric and Alex Bevivino. Teresa also shared this love with her grandchildren, Craig, and Nick Urbanke. Teresa’s great-grandchildren, Noah, and Lindsey Carpenter, and Isabella, and Norah Collis, knew her as “Nanna-with-the-puppies” because she always had her constant canine companions, Toy Rat Terriers Tasha and Timmy. Recently, her family grew with 4 additional great-grandchildren, and she surely would have loved Luke; Grant, Theo, and Levi Bevivino. She leaves behind her beloved godchild, Karen Techmanski Haskins of Atlanta; her half brother and his wife, Teddy and Dorothy Valenti; many special cousins, two additional godchildren who preceded her, nieces, nephews, on both the Valenti and Bevivino side. She especially loved her mother’s sisters, Aunt Terry and Aunt Jean and their families in California. Teresa loved everyone she met, and she leaves behind many cherished friends. To know Terry was to know the joy of life and that life is worth living no matter how hard the climb. The family would like to thank all who cared for her at the Presbyterian Home, especially all the nurses, nurse assistants, and aides for their Palliative care, including special prayers from Pastor Tom and reassurances from Physician Assistants, Diane and Denise, and everyone in the Maple unit. Their true compassion and care went beyond all normal measures ensuring that Teresa’s passing was with dignity, and without pain. They all gave comfort, hugs, love, and tears while they sat vigil. Teresa passed gently into the arms of her loving family waiting in heaven. The above story of Teresa’s life was written by her daughter, Paula Ann Urbanke. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Teresa’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Teresa C. "Terry" (Valenti) Bevivino

June 28, 1932 - December 5, 2017