Mrs. Virginia A. Montero

Mrs. Virginia A. (Risucci) Montero, age 94 passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Monday, November 2, 2015 at the Applewood Unit of the Martin Lutheran Home. Born in Utica on January 12, 1921, Virginia was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Salerno) Risucci. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On January 19, 1946 she was united in marriage to Richard F. Montero with whom she spent a blessed and loving union of 68 years. They were endeared to each other from the first moment to their last. Her beloved husband passed away on September 17, 2014. Virginia and Dick were an adventurous couple who spent their first five years as newlyweds living in San Diego, California. They later returned to Utica to start a family. Virginia was a devoted mother and home maker who excelled at cooking and baking. Her home was always open to family and friends especially around the dinner table. She was fun loving and loved to sing and dance. She loved to travel, especially to beachy locales. Vi was the life of the party and loved people. It was through her humbleness she displayed a truly kind spirit and had a stylish demeanor that was admired. In their later years, Viriginia and Dick thoroughly enjoyed spending their winters in Boca Raton, Florida with their son, Gary. Many special memories were made each year when the grandchildren came to visit them. Virginia began a 20 year career as a Secretary at the Univac Corporation and later at the Bank of Utica where she retired in 1982 and made many lifelong friends. Virginia’s biggest accomplishment was that she helped raise her grandchildren and could not let a day go by without tending to them. Virginia is survived by her children and their spouses, Richard F. Montero, Jr. and Nancy Montero of Utica, Gary A. Montero of New York Mills and Cindy and Steve Bussey of Whitesboro. She leaves behind her adored grandchildren Alexandra Critelli and Connor Critelli. She held close to her heart the memory of her grandson Richard L. Montero who passed away on August 31, 2012. She also leaves her beloved great-grandson, Marquis Bradford-Montero; her brother, Arthur R. Risucci, Sr. of Utica; her sister-in-law Mary L Risucci with whom she shared a closeness; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, brother-in-law Luis Montero. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Antoinetta and Nicholas Fuifaro and her brothers and sisters-in-law Nicholas Risucci, Michael Risucci, Richard Risucci and Ronald and Marion Risucci; as well as her sister-in-law Kathleen Risucci and members of the Montero family, and many friends near and dear to her who have also gone before her. The family extends their appreciation to the entire staff of the Applewood Unit at the Martin Luther Home, especially caregivers Sera, Kaylin, Michelle, Kara, Deb, Jenn and Samantha who provided outstanding care and compassion. The family is grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ, for the 94 years of Virginia’s life that were so precious to them and are thankful in knowing she is now joined with her husband in Heaven. Visitation will be held Friday from 11:00-12:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Virginia’s honor to the Alzheimer's Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Virginia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Committal services and Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Virginia A. Montero

January 12, 1921 - November 2, 2015