Mrs. Vita (Gianfrate) Messa

Mrs. Vita (Gianfrate) Messa, age 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center with her family at her side. She was born on May 5, 1915, a daughter of the late Francesco and Victoria (Annese) Gianfrate. She was raised in Utica, receiving her education in local schools. On September 21, 1935 she was united in marriage with Francis R. “Frank” Messa, a blessed union of 53 years; they shared in a fun loving and admirable marriage until his passing on July 29, 1988. Vita retired from the General Electric Company in 1979 after 30 years of service as an assembler. She was a parishioner of St. Agnes Church. Vita was a social and civic minded woman having been a member of the former Daughters of Columbus, the former East Side Senior Center, the American Italian Heritage Association, the Sts. Cosmo and Damiano Society Chapel on Kossuth Ave., the 39ers Social Club, the Walkers Club at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, the Democratic Women’s Working Group, and she also served as a volunteer at the Heritage Home. She was also involved for many years working side-by-side with her husband in many talent and minstrel shows. She assisted her husband in his photography activities and continued this endeavor after his passing at family and social occasions. She was known for her crafts, knitting, and crocheting projects; all of her afghans were made with love and are heirlooms to family and friends. Vita is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Francis R. “Frank” Jr. and Tracy Messa of CA, and E.J. and Shirley Messa of Frankfort; her daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Michael Youngs of Frankfort; her grandchildren, Russ Forman, Frank and Corey Ritz, Michelle and Mark Hollingshead, Danan and Lyman Christensen, and Michael Youngs, Jr.; and her great-grandchildren, Amberly Forman, Nicholas and Natalie Hollingshead; Sean, Nevada, Ryan, and Cameron Ritz; and Raina and Neia Christensen. Also surviving is Mary Costello, Vita’s great-niece who shared a special and loving relationship with Vita forever and a day; and Frank Ferraro, Vita’s nephew, who had a warm and gentle presence in her life; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, godchildren, cousins, especially Mary Leo, and Nick Martellotto. Also left to remember her are close friends, Lee and Chuck Paul, and Ray and Toni LaComb. She shared precious time with her Australian Cattle dog, “Jorgee”. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Peggy and Frank Kavanaugh, Mary and Peter Graziano; her brother, Cataldo Gianfrate; and her in-laws, Mary and Carl Ferraro, John and Catherine Messa, and Rose and Charles Sullivan, Sr. A special thank you is extended from Vita’s family to Maureen, Bobbi Jo, April, Ruth, Molly, Dexter, Mike, Dawn, Josephine, Dorothy, Shirley, Gina, Heidi, Kim, Shanice, Cornelia, and Ashlee, and all the compassionate caregivers at the Charles T. Sitrin Aspen House. They are truly exceptional people and the family is grateful for the high standards of which they upheld and their loving care. A Special thank you is offered to Rev. Paul J. Drobin for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and Father Flanagan for his special blessing. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Vita’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday at 10:00 at the funeral home with Fr. James Cesta officiating the ceremony along with the presence of Msgr. Francis Willenburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Vita’s name may be made to the Sts. Cosmo & Damiano Chapel on Kossuth Ave., or a charity of the donor’s choice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery graveside.

Mrs. Vita (Gianfrate) Messa

May 5, 1915 - February 6, 2013