Mrs. Virginia "Virg" (Ciufo) Tucciarone

Mrs. Virginia “Virg” (Ciufo) Tucciarone, age 94, of Utica, passed away on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, 2012 at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. Born in Tufo, Italy on December 20, 1917, Virginia was the daughter of the late Frank and Maria Ciufo. She spent her early childhood and received her education in Italy, immigrating to the United States and Utica in 1929. On August 30, 1941 she married Benjamin Tucciarone with whom she shared 67 years prior to his passing on March 8, 2009; they especially enjoyed their retirement years traveling and sharing responsibilities around the house, a very peaceful time in their lives. Virg was employed by various Utica Mills and later worked for 25 years as an assembler at the Mele Manufacturing Company. She was a hardworking woman and an outstanding cook who rarely missed preparing a meal for her family. Christmas dinner with all of its grandeur and her famous cassata at Easter will always be precious memories to her beloved ones. She was meticulous in canning splendid varieties of vegetables from her garden. At one time she crocheted and gathered with her sisters and close friends to share “new stitches”. Virg was blessed with a spirited nature and the easy-going characteristics of the ‘middle child’. Inspired by her resolute and self-reliant personality, she knew “how to do it, when to do it, and why to do it”. To her children who loved her so much, and her family who respected her, there was no better mother than Virg. She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church and attended the St. Anthony Novena for 50 years. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Tina M. (Tucciarone) Sterling; and her son, Anthony F. Tucciarone, both of Utica. Her daughter-in-law, Joanne P. (Curcio) Tucciarone, preceded her in 2006. She also leaves her grandchildren, Christine Sterling and Michael Mirarchi, Mark and Carol Sterling, Nicole Sterling; Anthony “Tony” and Maria Tucciarone, and Jim Tucciarone; and her great-grandchildren, Sam; Elijah, Alex, Matthew, Kayla; Simone, Imani, Julissa; Jenissa, Anthony Jr., and Kayla. In addition, she leaves many nieces, nephews, especially Tom Garofalo, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws Vito Garofalo, and John Circelli. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Cora and Salvatore Rasile, Josephine and Tony Mallozzi, Frances Circelli, and Madeline Garofalo; and her in-laws Pasquale and Viola Tucciarone. The family greatly appreciated the compassionate caregivers of the Presbyterian Home for Central NY, especially the staff of the Cedar Wing, with special mention of Maria Elena; and the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their kindness. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Virginia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence upon conclusion of visitation at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Virginia "Virg" (Ciufo) Tucciarone

December 20, 1917 - May 13, 2012