Mrs. Thelma M. (Marrone) Fitzgerald

Mrs. Thelma M. (Marrone) Fitzgerald, age 88, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home with her devoted family by her side. Born in Utica on January 10, 1926, Thelma was the daughter of the late John and Giovanna “Jennie” (Ciruzzi) Marrone. She attended T.R. Proctor High School. On May 15, 1948, Thelma married James C. “Fitz” Fitzgerald. They shared a blessed union of 48 years prior to his passing on July 22, 1996. Thelma was a long term employee of the General Electric Company on Bleecker Street, but she considered her most important roles to be the most personal ones- wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Her selfless nature and caring ways were cherished by her family. Thelma made whatever sacrifices necessary, without complaint, for the betterment and well-being of her family. This is what brought her the most joy and happiness in life. Outside of her family activities, she liked to play Bingo, work on crossword puzzles, word jumbles, and was a voracious reader. Thelma is survived by her son, James “Jim” Fitzgerald of NY Mills; daughter, Christyne “Chris” Casatelli of Utica and her children Ryan, and Daniel and Mike; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Melissa Fitzgerald of Utica and their children, Julian, Michael C., Barrett, Micaela, and Avery. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, including Joanne Olsen, and Elizabeth Peters Adelman; and brother-in-law, Robert Wheeler of Whitesboro. Thelma was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Gloria and Bill Rich, Mary Philomena “Phil” and Joseph Peters, Teresa and Nicholas Micucci; brother, Peter Marrone; in-laws, Mary and Arthur Groat, and Carol Wheeler. Thelma’s family gathered privately to honor her life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of mass. Donations may be considered to the St. Joseph Nursing Home Activity Department; envelopes will be available at the service. The family wishes to thank the second floor staff at St. Joseph Nursing Home, especially Staci and Colleen for the kind and compassionate care Thelma received. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Thelma M. (Marrone) Fitzgerald

January 10, 1926 - October 19, 2014