Theresa (Scalise) Marconi

Mrs. Theresa (Scalise) Marconi, age 99, of Utica, went home to be with the Lord when she passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on February 6, 1912, Theresa was the daughter of the late Bartolo and Congetta (Leone) Scalise. Theresa was raised and educated locally. On June 21, 1930 she married Samuel “Sam” Marconi with whom she shared 72 years prior to his passing on December 21, 2002; they loved and cherished each other and affectionately referred to each other as “Tre and S”. Theresa was the matriarch of her family, and she dedicated herself to raising her loved ones. Those years were filled with many wonderful memories of laughter and friendship with her children. When her grandchildren were born, she was “Nana” and she was there at the births of each of them and as their lives unfolded, she watched over them with a fun-loving attitude. Theresa and Sam loved to travel to religious shrines to honor their devotion to their Catholic faith. For relaxation, Sylvan Beach was her favorite get-away for many years. It was a time to gather everyone together and she prepared and entertained all. This family was so blessed with such a wonderful and adventuresome woman. You could confide in her your deepest thoughts and she was non-judgmental and compassionate. She genuinely took an interest in other people’s lives and was admired for that trait. She was a wonderful baker, known for her favorite ‘sponge cake’. She was also an avid reader, and to the last day of her life she would read the newspaper aloud for the staff and residents, one of her favorite pastimes. Theresa lived nearly 100 years of life and it still wasn’t long enough for this deeply spiritual and prayerful woman. Theresa is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa Nassar of Florida, Congetta and Frank Toukatly of Chadwicks, Annette Rozakis, and Marie and James Grifasi, all of Rome; her son and daughter-in-law, James and Catherine Marconi of Utica; and her daughter-in-law, Carol A. Marconi of Rome. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Samuel F. “Poppy” Marconi, Jr., who passed away on November 5, 2005. She also leaves 23 grandchildren, especially remembering her grandson, Mark Grifasi, who passed away on May 9, 2010; her 35 great-grandchildren; and her 2 great-great-grandchildren. Her extended family includes her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sons-in-law, Alvin J. Nassar, and Lee Rozakis; and her siblings which include six sisters and a brother. The family is grateful to Dr. Dilip Kachare, Theresa’s longtime physician who watched over her medical needs with much compassion; the Carmelite Sisters and the entire staff of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, especially those of the 2nd floor; all these wonderful caregivers were her extended family and most worthy of great appreciation. The family also was cared for with respect and comfort during this difficult time. Thanks also to Fr. David Sambor who was unmatched in his spirituality and attentiveness to Theresa and her loved ones. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to St. Joseph Nursing Home in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Theresa’s Mass of Christian Burial which will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home Chapel officiated by Fr. David Sambor. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Theresa (Scalise) Marconi

February 6, 1912 - April 12, 2011