Mrs. Giuseppina "Pina" Cacciotti

May 21, 1935 - December 24, 2021

UTICA – Mrs. Giuseppina “Pina” (DeSantis) Cacciotti, age 86, passed during the last day of Advent, Friday, December 24, 2021, perfectly signifying the close of the time of prayer, penance, sacrifice, hope and joy. She passed in the comfort and dignity of her daughter Katia’s home, surrounded by the love of her family. ​Born in Priverno, Italy, on May 21, 1935 to the late Arduino and Carolina (Toti) DeSantis, Pina was fortunate enough to remain in her local town to receive an elementary education. In her younger years, Pina was raised on the family farm and tackled any and every job she could find for the benefit and well-being of her family. She came from a small-town environment, but this did not preclude her acquaintance with the handsome young Angelo “Gialino” Cacciotti. The two fast became childhood sweethearts, each falling for both the interior and exterior beauty of the other. Angelo particularly fell in love with Pina’s kind nature; she was an amazing woman with a beautiful and loving heart. Moreover, the pair was protective of each other from the onset of their years. Though Pina’s parents ventured to the U.S. and landed in Utica, Pina remained behind to stay with the one she would marry; she was able to remain in Italy due to the supervision of her elder sister, Anna. This honored a respected tradition of the time. ​Pina and Angelo married on April 22, 1957, and the two started a family. They were blessed with three beautiful children, and soon after, on December 22, 1965, found themselves cruising the long passage to the U.S. in order to be reunited with Pina’s family, whom she was so ecstatic to see once again. Having their family sponsored to come to the U.S. was a boon for Angelo, who willingly came not only to support the love of his life, but additionally to seek a better life in the states for his family. The couple would share 64 years together prior to Angelo’s passing on October 21, 2021, just 2 months and three days ago. To the very end of their earthly time together, the couple graced each other – and those around them – with exquisite kindness. It is very apparent to those who knew Pina that her passing was due to “Broken Heart Syndrome;” the couple who never spent a Christmas apart, are again reunited and spending Christmas together in the arms of the Lord. Her children truly believe “il nostro amore e per sempre.” ​Pina’s professional life consisted of her position as a seamstress for Joseph & Feiss Company. For her role, Pina operated various machines and created abundantly with her talented handiwork. This was the singular position that Pina held outside of her home. In the remainder of her time, Pina was the family matriarch, the “true glue” who kept everyone together. A protective mother, Pina was known for her silent disposition, but when she spoke, everyone listened. Controversy was not intrinsic to her character. Pina exemplified a number of virtues, which were then instilled in her children. Her life modeled compassion, and her children were amazed by her courage, passion, and wisdom. Furthermore, Pina was humble and never sought acknowledgement. Whenever her family was happy, Pina’s eyes and smile reflected that joy. ​Pina possessed a diligent work ethic, and she rarely found herself tired from all of her hard work. She rejoiced in preparing meals with much love, and her table – as well as those of her family of origin – were always filled with a wealth of prepared foods: her homemade gnocchi, meatballs, fettucine, and more. One would never see Pina sit down, unless it was for one hour to watch her favorite show, Days of Our Lives. Everything in her house was always in order, and Pina enjoyed having it that way so her family could relax and spend time together in the home. ​Pina kept a watchful eye on her household, and marveled in her children’s achievements. This pride and awe carried over into the next generation, as “Nonnie” equally opened her heart to each of her grandchildren. In fact, the 10 grandchildren each attribute to Pina’s generosity of spirit their growth into better people. Pina had endless love for all the blessings entrusted to her; no one ever went hungry in her home. Additionally, she radiated the affectionate love born of a true mother – with an open ear and heart, Pina would often reassure her children and grandchildren with the message: “no worry, everything works out.” She will be remembered as an incredible caregiver who was very “others-centered” and who always sought to be of value in a time of need. ​As a couple, Pina and Angelo found the Sons of Italy Lodge to be a wonderful pastime. Often, they dined there, attended dances on Saturday nights, and even took on various responsibilities. Pina served on numerous boards for the betterment of the Italian community of Utica, while Angelo served in several leadership positions. Pina especially enjoyed dancing, and she was excellent at it. Between the Saturday Dinner Dances, the Holiday celebrations and the Summer Festivals, their family always found some enjoyable activity with which to engage at the lodge. Pina and Angelo, amongst others, were helpful and hospitable to the success of the organization. ​Pina, who loved her Catholic Creed, was immediately attracted to St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church. She appreciated the clergy, attended Mass, and was very devoted. ​Pina is survived by her beloved children and their loves, Biagio Giorgio Cacciotti, Arduino Aldo “Art” and Joanne Cacciotti, and Katia and Martin Richlin. Nonnie will be remembered by her grandchildren, twins Domanique and Billy Wheeler, and Desmond Cacciotti, Bianca Cacciotti and fiancé Tiffany, and Gabriella Cacciotti; Aldo and Stacey Cacciotti, Paul and Priscilla Cacciotti, Angelo and Allison Cacciotti, Joseph and Kristen Cacciotti; Danielle and Jason Magnusson, and Brittany and Bryan Zoeckler. Pina will be held in the hearts of her great-grandchildren, Alessia, Tommy, Alex, Brett, Ryan, and Ella; Porter; Gianna, and Santino; Gavin, and Skylar; Mya, Sienna, Cole, and Vincenzo; Anjalie, and Gennaro; Anthony, and Joseph, Jr.; Mackenzie; and Jaxon. She leaves behind her sisters, Christina Palacanica and her late husband Nicholas; as well as her brothers, Silvio and Vittoria DeSantis, Antonio and Rosalie DeSantis, and Giuliano DeSantis. Pina was preceded by her siblings and their loves, Duilio and Mariana DeSantis, Angelina “Angela” and Armando Toti, Nancy and Francis L. “Butch” Chandler, and Anetta “Anna” DeSantis. Pina will be missed by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; as well as her sister-in-law, Silvanna Torri. She cherished her niece, Anna Maria, who resides in Italy and respected her aunt with many cherished phone calls. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Biagio and Anna Maria (Christofoli) Cacciotti. ​The Cacciotti family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., who were so helpful for the short period of time that they were needed; their services were so appreciated. The family would also like to extend their thanks to her daughter and son-in-law Katia and Martin, and two grandchildren Brittany and Danielle, who were instrumental in caring for Pina with much devotion – it was a “full circle of love.” ​The family will honor and commemorate her life privately. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Giuseppina’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Friday morning, January 7, 2022, at 11:00, at St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband. Regardless of vaccination status, face masks are required, to remain in compliance with the state and county mask order.