Mrs. Vincenza "Vinny" (Marangi) Nicotera

Mrs. Vincenza “Vinny” (Marangi) Nicotera, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. As she left this life, she was in the hearts of those she loved most. Born in Utica on January 5, 1925, Vincenza was the daughter of the late Gregory and Carmella (Consoli) Marangi. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. She continued her education at the Utica School of Commerce where she earned her Certificate of Secretarial Science. She also completed various courses at M.V.C.C. At one time, she had been wed to Joseph Zalocha who passed away in July of 1951. She entered into a second union when she married Leo D. Nicotera in 1953; they were blessed with a marriage that endured for 40 years, graced with their children who were the center of their existence. Leo passed away on December 3, 1993. During her working years, Vinny was employed in the Quality Control Department of the General Electric Company at both the Broad Street location and the French Road Aerospace Plant for several years. Lastly, she held a position with the New York State Employment Office in a secretarial capacity, the job from which she retired. Vinny was a confidant to many with a steadfast outlook on life and firmly held beliefs and opinions. She instilled a sense of responsibility, respect, and spiritual strength in her children. Her family marveled at her generosity. As a mom and matriarch, she was strong and supportive, wise and fair in solving problems, and always guided with a gentle and understanding heart. She was a contemporary mom who “grew up” with her children, participating, evaluating, and celebrating all aspects and activities of their lives, and her grandchildren respected her words of wisdom for their wellbeing. No matter what life brought, she maintained her traditions and spirituality and everyone loved and looked forward to holidays and being together. Her favorite pastime was cooking and her Italian meatballs and cassata cheesecake for Easter Sunday were her savory specialties. In her earlier years, she enjoyed reading and walking at the New Hartford Shopping Center. She was entertained by feeding the beautiful birds in her backyard, one of the most personal and pleasurable times of her life. Her clever wit and charm favored her with many friends. As a conservative Catholic, Vinny believed in the traditional teachings, liturgy, and creeds of the Church. She adored the Blessed Mother and was very supportive of religious organizations. She felt privileged to be a part of the Perpetual Adoration Society at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church and she practiced her faith as a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Her loved ones will hold in their hearts her amazing ability to say “I love you” without words. Vinny is survived by her children and their loves, Albert and Catherine Zalocha of Buffalo, Dominick “Rich” Nicotera of Utica, Raymond and Barbara Nicotera of Holmes NY, and Leona and Paul Rivkin of New Hartford. She held close to her heart the memory of her son, Joseph A. Zalocha and his wife Suzanne who preceded her in death; and her son, Gregory “Greg” Zalocha who passed away on April 19, 2015. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Rachael and Kevin Barry, Mark Zalocha, Peter and Adriana Zalocha, Thomas Zalocha; Christopher Zalocha; Michael Zalocha; Richard Nicotera and Melinda Klayer; Gina, Michelle, and Mark Nicotera; Matthew Rivkin, and Abigail Rivkin; and her seven great-grandchildren. She will also be remembered by her brother and sister-in-law, V. Anthony and Diane Marangi of Nevada; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially members of the Scata and Lamanna families; and her in-laws. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Christopher De Russo; and her brothers, Pat Marangi, and Joseph Marangi. The family accords their appreciation to Dr. Fred Talarico for his attentive and sensitive care, the nurses and staff of the Intensive Care Unit at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and the personnel at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center and their Rehabilitation Center; and the caregivers at her home who were respectful and understanding of her needs, providing her the opportunity to remain in her house. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Vinny’s funeral Service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Vincenza "Vinny" (Marangi) Nicotera

January 5, 1925 - May 27, 2015