Mrs. Grace (LaParne) DeCarlo Pugliese Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

UTICA – Mrs. Grace (LaParne) DeCarlo Pugliese, age 95, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, with the love of her family in her heart. Grace was born in Frankfort on November 22, 1926, to the late Benedetto and Josephine (Bono) LaParne. She was raised and educated in nearby Utica, attending local area schools. Grace’s courtship transitioned into marriage when she wed Patsy J. DeCarlo, and to that relationship came the blessing of three children. Grace was then blessed with a second union with Frank Pugliese; together, Grace and Frank passed the years, loving and embracing each other’s children and grandchildren. The couple was happily married until Frank’s passing on June 10, 2009. Grace enjoyed several positions throughout her career, which began with her work at General Electric Co. on French Rd. From there, she transitioned into a role as an Inspector of UNIVAC for Sperry Rand. After that, accepted employment with Par Technology Corp, and it was from there that she retired. An independent woman, she was known for her strength of character as well as for embracing the needs of other people. In fact, she was quite selfless and remained that way through the last moments of her life. The matriarch of her family, Grace is remembered for watching over each person with love and great care. Her kindness and thoughtfulness towards others were never to be outdone. She also managed to accomplish a great deal, as she was quite organized and business-minded. The philosophy by which she lived her life was, “She called it as she saw it.” Grace was additionally a witty woman whose jokes could bring an easy laugh to others. Her family and friends had a great affection for her and recall fondly her many positive attributes. Grace was an avid volunteer for whom serving others through giving of her time was a calling. She was an active member of the East Utica Neighborhood Watch and would bring the dangers of her community to politicians’ awareness. Grace also enjoyed being an Avon representative and was affectionately referred to as “Avon Nani.” For fun, Grace liked to play games of chance at the casino, which she did until this most recent Mothers’ Day. Grace and all looked forward to playing cards and dice whenever loved ones gathered; she was the scorekeeper and almost always won! She also appreciated a good romance novel. Originally one of twelve children, Grace was in awe of those she leaves behind: her sister who has reached nearly 100 years of age, as well as her brother who is currently 93. The family had always celebrated many religious activities together, and Grace remained faithful throughout her life. She had a love of the Lord and a song of faith often on her lips. Grace daily prayed the rosary and was a communicant at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Grace is survived by her treasured children and their spouses, Gary DeCarlo and Andrea Vasgaard, Patrick and Theresa DeCarlo; and she always held close to her heart the memory of her beloved daughter, Marie Cittadino, who passed on January 24, 2013; Barbara and Robert Conklin, Frank and Terry Pugliese, and Carmen and Madalaine Pugliese. Grace will live on in the hearts of her cherished grandchildren, Renee DeCarlo Gray, Jeremy and Julie DeCarlo; Celeste and Raymond Ferguson; Tanya and Matthew Roberts; Neil DeCarlo, Bridget DeCarlo; Stacia and Michael Craft, Anne and Thomas DeVita, Erika and James Rowley, Billy Conklin (who preceded her on May 25, 2009) and his wife Jennifer Durr; Michele Convertino and Eileen Bowes, Frank J. Pugliese, Gina and Michael Welch, and Lynnmarie and Jesse Waddell. Grace leaves behind an abundance of precious great-grandchildren (31) and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered by her sister, Rose Matranga (and her late husband Joseph); as well as her brother, Joseph LaParne and his companion, Diana. She was preceded by her siblings and their spouses: Dominick and Nancy LaParne, Samuel and Mary LaParne, Benedict and Congetta LaParne, Josephine and Joseph Juliano, Sophie and Anthony Gaetano, Mary and Carmen Scalzo, Florence and Peter Scalzo, Elizabeth “Betty” LaParne, and Santa and Richard Reid. Grace also leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; especially acknowledging her nieces and honoring them for their kindness, Ellen Gaetano, Grace Lindsey, and the late Josephine Gacek (2021). There was a strong bond between Grace and her granddaughter Celeste, who has been of the greatest assistance to her for many years; and the family will never forget her sacrifice of time that was given to be attentive to Grace’s needs—Celeste was truly a wonderful caretaker. Grace was blessed with many loyal and dear friends during her lifetime. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Anthony “Tony” Pugliese, Joseph Pugliese, Anna Faga, and Angeline Grimaldi; as well as by her longtime friend, Carmela Budlong. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Masonic Care Community of NY Inlet-Household, especially Jose Mateo, Carmen Garcia, Lisa Johnson, and Trista Fuller who were special caregivers who went above and beyond to meet Grace’s needs with kindness, patience, and compassion. The family commemorated Grace’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Monday afternoon, June 20, 2022 at 12:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/ Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street. There will be an opportunity to greet Grace’s loved ones at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory may donate to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) online at https://www.cabvi.org/#donate; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mrs. Grace (LaParne) DeCarlo Pugliese

November 22, 1926 - May 25, 2022