Mrs. Marylyn A. (Gravinia) Cassidy Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

UTICA - Mrs. Marylyn A. (Gravinia) Cassidy, age 83, was reunited with her husband and daughter when she passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 with those she loved most in her heart. Born in Utica on September 24, 1938, Marylyn was the daughter of the late Louis A. and Rosella M. (Gonotte) Gravinia. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School and continued her secretarial studies at one of Utica’s renowned business schools. On May 10, 1958 she wed Raymond Cassidy with whom she shared 39 years. Their marriage was anchored in solidarity and compatibility, yet they appreciated independent activities as well. As a couple, they treasured their tropical vacations, and many a day were spent with the kids and grandkids on Poppy’s boat cruising Oneida Lake, as well as winter walks across the frozen lake! Ray passed away on July 7, 1997. Marylyn honored her commitment to Ray and her years with him were never surpassed by any other relationship in the remaining years of her life. In 1967, Marylyn’s career path started in the Utica City School District where she worked as a typist. Through her dedication and commitment, she was instrumental in the implementation of the Computerized Scheduling System at Proctor High School. Her tenure with the district was for over 45 years, and although she retired in 2012, her unique knowledge of the complex September school schedule brought her back to Proctor per diem for several years to follow! It was throughout these years that Marylyn made numerous, long lasting faculty friendships and mentored many students who never forgot her wisdom and willingness to help them. She also traveled throughout Europe, many times as a chaperone on school trips with co-workers. They made memories embedded in her heart. As a mom, she made time to attend all the special events her children participated in. Nurturing, supportive, and loving, Marylyn taught her kids to strive for personal success and be dedicated to their life’s work. As a gram, she was there for her grandchildren for everything, and in every way. She spoke her mind and subtly shared her version of how she might want you to do something. Most of the time she was spot-on, and right! Dependable and available for adventures, she always kept her promises. She was a savvy shopper who knew the advantage of buying the things she wanted when she saw them, especially shoes to add to her closet filled with a variety of her favorite footwear. Her home was her comfortable castle ~ she kept it pristine, planted a garden, and maintained a pool, all with her special flair. Marylyn was a gracious hostess and a great cook for family holiday gatherings, and her friends invited to lunch. Her dinners and desserts were delicious and beautifully plated, and all agree that any endeavor she undertook, she did it well. In past years, Marylyn was a member of the Daughters of Columbus, and an annual member of the Broadway Theater League. In looking back, Marylyn was proud that she raised her children with love and enjoyed an individual rapport with each of them, particularly her son Mark who she cared for in every way she could. She was also blessed to know her great-grandchildren. Her ability to lend her heart to everyone in her family was a labor of love, and a legacy for them to live by. Marylyn is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rhea and Ronald Misiaszek; and her sons, Mark Cassidy, and Dean Cassidy and his good friend, Holly Lord. She was reunited with the soul of her daughter, Doreen Hierholzer who passed in 2009. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Kayla Sortino (with whom she shared an especially close bond) and her love, Joe Greco, and Ryan Sortino; Zachary Cassidy and his girlfriend, Alex, Rachael Cassidy and fiancé Mark Pletl, and Noah Cassidy; and great-grandchildren, Noah, Raymond, Vincenzo, and Valentino. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Adelene and Rocco LaBella. Also surviving is her half-brother, Frank (Atsuko Sato) Donaruma. She will also be remembered by her nieces and nephews whom she truly loved, as well as their children; cousins, especially Lucille Bonanza; and her in-laws, Robert and Janice Cassidy, and Delores Mahar; and many precious friendships, too numerous to mention, but never far from her heart during her life. The family is grateful to Marylyn’s longtime physician, Dr. Jerry Sloan; Dr. Manzurul Sikder and staff for their kind and compassionate care; Dr. Kenneth Visalli for his medical expertise; and the staff of the Brookdale Memory Care family for watching over Marylyn for the past 3 years. Many blessings on all these wonderful caregivers. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday, May 25th at 10:45 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Avenue. Those wishing to offer condolences to the family may do so at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marylyn’s honor for her love of all animals, especially feral cats, may be made to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society online at https://www.anitas-sshs.org. Envelopes will also be available at the service. She will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery beside her husband.

Mrs. Marylyn A. (Gravinia) Cassidy

September 24, 1938 - May 18, 2022