Mrs. Tosca (Ventura) Meola

FRANKFORT – Mrs. Tosca (Ventura) Meola passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Andali, Province of Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy, Tosca was the daughter of the late Luigi and Esther (Grande) Ventura. As a young girl, along with her family, they joined their loved ones who had previously settled in Utica. Educated in Utica Public Schools, she also graduated from Cosmetology School and was a Licensed N.Y.S. Beautician. Her adult life was dedicated to her career, and she worked until the very last days of her life. She was happily married for nearly 45 years to Warren D. Meola. All that is asked of us is to be the best person and to be most loyal to the people and things that are important to us in this life. Tosca was one of those women who could be most humbly proud of all her achievements. She devoted herself to the goals she believed in, and her family. She strived to believe in herself and find happiness in her marriage. The love Tosca had for her children and grandchildren and the watchful eye she kept over her siblings and their families knew no bounds. She conquered limitations whenever they appeared. She was strong, sensitive, determined, gracious, and meticulous. She was so special to so many people... and in her passing, she reached out for the next star and her rewards for new dreams and peace have now been bestowed upon her. She had an impeccable personal sense of style and a creative flair in decorating her home. She was a person of wisdom, not shy about sharing her opinion with her children. Her practical insight was often correct, for which her boys were grateful. Through the years, along with family, she was a huge supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, notably the sport of downhill skiing which she and Warren taught them to master. She enjoyed antiquing, especially browsing the Madison Bouckville Antique Show, always on an incredible quest for bargains! She relished the time spent in the peace and tranquility of their second home on Lake Moraine; it was her sanctuary, and she appreciated the beautiful nightly sunset that concluded her days there. Nothing made Tosca happier than when her home was filled with her children and grandchildren. She strived for a simpler life, and her grandchildren gave her an opportunity to be that “more lenient mom.” Her actions, kindness, and generosity were the Lord's work that she chose to do. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Tosca is survived by her husband, Warren; sons and their loves, Dr. Michael Rabice and Todd Kroening, Phillip and Christine Rabice, PJ Rabice and his wife Tiffany Craven-Rabice, and Kristopher and Christy Meola; her grandchildren, the lights of her life, Bella, and Daniel Rabice; Harrison Craven; and Sydney, and Skylar Meola; and brothers, Ercole Ventura, and Carlo Ventura. She fondly remembered her brothers who preceded her, Romolo Ventura (2022), Raffaele “Ralph” Ventura (2021), and Dionisio “Nise” Ventura (2000). Also left to treasure her memory are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; mother-in-law, Shirley Meola; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Karin Meola. Her life was blessed with many friendships and colleagues, especially her late friend Ann Lee Rizzo who Tosca always kept close to her heart. She was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law who she called Dad, Carl Meola. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Tosca’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Entombment will follow in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.