Mrs. Theresa (Graziano) Misterka

Mrs. Theresa (Graziano) (Forte) Misterka, age 95, a native Utican, fell asleep in death on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Theresa was born on November 9, 1920, a daughter of the late Vincenzo and Theresa (Arcuri) Graziano. She was raised and educated locally and was a 1938 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. She went on to study at the Utica Conservatory of Music where she flourished as a naturally gifted pianist. She carried this skill with her for the remainder of her life, spending a small time instructing piano at Albany Street School as well as many years thereafter teaching private piano lessons to countless students. On February 10, 1945, Theresa was wed to Frank J. Forte, Jr. From that union came the blessing of a son, Francis J. “Frank” III. In 1955, Theresa shared in a second marriage to Anthony Misterka. They spent over 30 years together, raising a family and sticking together through both good and trying times. Tony passed away on November 10, 1985. In her early working years, Theresa was employed with the Oneida County Courthouse as well as with the Calli & Calli Law Firm where she served as a paralegal. She also held a position with Toussaint Motor Company where she worked as a bookkeeper. The majority of her career was spent alongside her husband Tony, as they owned and operated Yorkville Food Specialties, a wholesale snack food company. The focus and center of Theresa’s life was not only her family, but her faith. She dedicated her life to Jehovah God, and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1961. She was steadfast in her support for her faith community and was heavily involved in public ministry and Bible instruction. Theresa is survived by her children and their spouses, Frank J. III and Caren Forte of Middleville, NY, Kathleen and Dale DeWolfe of Lake Luzerne, NY, Kenneth and Patti Misterka of Ames, NY , and Mark and Jill Misterka of Ontario, NY; her grandchildren, Andrea and Ernest Dunkley of Lake George, NY, Christopher and Ayla Forte of Utica, Jonathan and Samantha Forte of Oppenheim, NY, Julie Forte of Middleville, NY, Valerie Misterka of Ames, NY, Kristi and Justin Zeidner of Canajoharie, NY, and Andrew and Marie Misterka of Sharon Springs, NY; great grandchildren, Aliya, Leilani, and Dustin; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 585 Trenton Road, Utica, NY. Theresa’s earthly remains will be laid to rest beside her husband, Tony, at Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Theresa (Graziano) Misterka

November 9, 1920 - February 3, 2016