Mrs. Teresa M. (Ciccone) Pecorello

Utica/Pineville, NC - Mrs. Teresa M. (Ciccone) Pecorello, age 88, went home to those who preceded her when she passed away while residing in close proximity to her daughter Joanne and her husband Dave of South Carolina. Born in Utica on August 6, 1929, Teresa was the daughter of the late Alexander and Josephine (Ioia) Ciccone. On April 7, 1951 she married Anthony S. “Tony” Pecorello with whom she shared 58 years in a marriage. They took pride in each other’s talents. Tony passed away on October 15, 2009. Teresa was an exemplary mom and a wonderful wife. She took an intense interest in her children’s activities and was meticulous in the manner of her appearance and the maintenance of her home. She was blessed with a generous spirit and a compassionate heart and her door was always open. She wrote poetry that often became lyrics to songs that Tony played on the piano. Her pride also extended to both of her daughters who became accomplished pianists, teachers and writers. Teresa nurtured their talents from when they were young and they were grateful to her throughout their lives. Holidays at Teresa’s home were memorable and all were welcome. They were filled with laughter, music, playing games and spending time with family and friends. Teresa had an artistic ability in crocheting and knitting with a specialty in afghans — and everyone had one! She wanted to stay young at heart and mind, so she embraced technology by learning to use an iPad, a way to keep in touch with loved ones and play a game or two. Teresa was a longtime parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. She believed in guardian angels and gave friends and family ‘angel pins’ as a spiritual inspiration of kindness. Teresa is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Joanne and David Barnaba of South Carolina, and Jeanette and Michael Swiderski of Sauquoit; her grandchildren, David and Tara Barnaba, Daniel Barnaba, and Alexandra Barnaba; Pamela Knopka, John Swiderski/Ret. US Air Force and his wife Cassandra, Christopher Swiderski, and Thomas “TJ” Swiderski; her great-grandchildren, Kierra and Jacob; Tyler; Gabe, and Parker; and Clara; and her sister, Ferdy Demarais. She also leaves her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Marguerite Scotellaro, Joan Pecorello, and Kelly Pecorello; and her dear friend, Anne Brown with whom she had the pleasure of sharing phone conversations. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Eleanor Ciccone, and Gloria and Rocco Ambruso and Ernest Demarais; her brothers, John Ciccone, Louis Ciccone; and her in-laws, Gerard Sr. and Bernice Pecorello, Arthur Pecorello, Edward Pecorello, Jeanette Talley-Schmidt and husband Eugene, and Michael Scotellaro. The family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Teresa’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St., Utica, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Teresa M. (Ciccone) Pecorello

August 6, 1929 - September 26, 2017