Mary Christine Cirillo

November 7, 1950 - August 4, 2020

UTICA - Mary Christine Cirillo left this world on August 4, 2020 in Upstate Medical Center where she was being treated for complications resulting from Leukemia. She was 69 years of age. Born in Utica on November 7, 1950, she was the daughter and fourth child of Alexander C. and Florence (Martin) Cirillo, of Eleanor Place, Utica. She graduated from St. Anthony of Padua School in 1964, and St. Francis de Sales High School in 1968. Mary spent most of her professional life in sales, working for a short time in the South, and for some years in Syracuse. A natural artist, she also studied art for a term in Florence, Italy. Mary left her job to provide full time care for her father in 2002. She owned an online bookstore and service specializing in military history and biography called “Dogs of War.” Mary helped many people in her life, including several senior citizen neighbors. In 1999, she created and held a Central New York World War II Exhibition to raise funds for the National World War II Memorial that included a number of video testimonials from celebrities. She was determined to honor the “Greatest Generation” who fought the war, among whom were numbered her father, uncle, and other family members. After the passing of her parents, Mary was both the glue and the spark plug of her family. Mary provided a healthy, safe “place to go” for neighborhood children, and was renowned for “art projects and cookies” that featured an annual art sale by the children to raise money to contribute to saving stray animals. She also taught several children both to read and write, and frequently gave them “learner books” to help them succeed in school. A natural humanist of strong faith, she befriended many, and was known for her kindness, openness, and willingness to help those who needed help. She is survived by her four brothers: Alexander of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Joseph of Las Vegas, Nevada, Roger of Alexandria, Virginia, and Christopher of New Hartford, and their families; and by her constant canine companion, Dallas. The family wishes to thank the medical staff of the oncology ward at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare, and the Medical ICU doctors and staff of Upstate Medical Center for taking such good care of Mary. She was grateful for your kindness and care. The family honored and commemorated Mary’s life at a private time. Immediate family and invited friends will attend Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Catholic Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Mary’s name to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org or by mail to 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502; the Wounded Warrior Project online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by mail to 370 7th Ave., Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001; the Leukemia Research Foundation online at https://allbloodcancers.org or by mail to 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, IL 60093-2744, or to the charity of your choice. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Please take a moment to connect with Mary’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our continued support.