Mrs. Agnes M. "Aggie" (Carvelli) LaScala Russo

UTICA/NEW HARTFORD - Mrs. Agnes M. “Aggie” (Carvelli) LaScala Russo, age 93, was received into the arms of the Lord as she passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Abraham House with the love of her family in her heart. Born in Utica on October 14, 1923, Agnes was the daughter of the late Giovanni “John” and Catherine (Perri) Carvelli. Raised and educated locally, Agnes attended Utica Free Academy. On February 5, 1944 she married the love of her life, Leonard L. LaScala with whom she shared 32 years in a union blessed with four children. They found so much joy as a family and memories of those early years are etched in the hearts of their children. Leonard, Sr. passed away on February 17, 1976. On January 27, 1979 Agnes was joined in a second marriage to Joseph E. Russo until his passing on March 19, 2002. Aggie held several positions over the years, first at the Utica Knitting Mill, then at the Armour Meat Packing Corporation. She was next employed at the Boston Store refining her retail skills in the notions department where she worked for 13 years until the store’s closing in 1976. She then accepted a job at Gold Top Bakery where her baking skills were much appreciated. Lastly, after 16 years, retiring in 2001, Aggie managed the Park West Regency Apartments on West Street which were owned by her son John. Aggie was very responsible, proud, and professional in all her positions, all the while maintaining her home and embracing her role as a loving mother. Agnes was a very humble soul, serving others before herself. She was a gentle and selfless person who supported her children in all their endeavors and taught them to make sound decisions in their lives, just as she did when she earned her GED at the age of 54, one of her proudest achievements! Cooking and baking for her family, and preparing holiday meals were very important to Aggie. All her loved ones anticipated these special celebrations and appreciated the decorations and preparations that she put in place for all to enjoy. Sewing was a passion for Aggie, a pursuit requiring precision and patience, which yielded beautiful hand-crafted clothing and draperies. She also found joy in gardening and watching the wildlife in her backyard and she loved all God’s creatures, especially “kitty cats”. She looked forward to coffee time “No decaf!” at 8:00 p.m. with her son-in-law, and her afternoon tea time shared with her son Len. Each of her children felt that she was involved with and instrumental in their everyday life. Sunday evening calls from her sons uplifted her, and when she made her home with her daughter and son-in-law, she was surrounded by love and was cared for at night. During the day, she carried out her responsibilities and kept busy, a lifestyle that kept her alive and well. Aggie was a member of the Parkway Senior Center, the American Legion Utica Post #229 Ladies Auxiliary, and the Adult Day Care at Sitrin Health Care Center. She loved attending church and Bible Study with her church family at the Living Faith Bible Church in Sauquoit. She participated in many church events and volunteered as a “greeter” and for the clean-up committee. Mom loved the Lord. She would always say, “Whatever will be, will be. It’s in the Lord’s hands”. Agnes is survived by her cherished and beloved children, Leonard L. Jr. and Karen LaScala of New Hartford, John and Robin LaScala of Rochester, Richard and Patti LaScala of Hazlet Township, NJ, and Marie L. and Phillip A. Montana of New Hartford with whom she shared a home; her grandchildren, Michael and Kerri LaScala, Kristin and Jason Goldberg, and their mother Anne Vanderpool; Rachel and Brian Liberti, Brandon Lee; Kathryn and Robert Theryoung, Matthew LaScala, Andrew Clark; and special mention of Mark Anthony Montana, and Michael Montana who were her adopted grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Kaitlyn LaScala, Jakob LaScala, and Axel Goldberg, and Mario LaViena; her step-children, Joseph and Dina Russo, Antoinette and Joseph Morrelle, John and Pat Russo, Philip Russo, as well as their children and grandchildren. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging her niece Marina, who was like a daughter to her, her husband Mike Latella and their family, Frank Russo, Angelo and Terri Reina, John and Bonnie Carvelli, Sandy and Michael Collins, Anthony and Sue Carvelli, and Catherine Carvelli; great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Lenore Carvelli, Gladys Williams, Frances “Babe” Wyban, and Katherine LaScala; and Mimi Montana, her beloved friend with whom she shared many great years together, her church family whom she loved at the Living Faith Bible Church where she found much purpose; and Carmie Eannace with whom she shared a close bond. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Carvelli; her brothers and sister-in-law, Anthony Carvelli, and Floyd and Teresa Carvelli; in-laws, Lawrence and Laura Russo, Frank LaScala, Nancy and Rocco Russo, Mary and Angelo Reina, Salvatore and Clara LaScala, and Bernie Wyban; special niece, Johanne DiNigro; special nephews, John Carvelli, J.R. Carvelli, and Rocco Russo, Jr.; cousin, Joseph Saccoia; and best friend and pen-pal for over 70 years, Marge Triplett. The family is grateful to Aggie’s primary physician, Dr. Bhisham Garg, the staff at the Adult Day Care at the Sitrin Health Care Center, personnel of the St. Luke’s Home/Barton East Unit; and all her visitors, especially her church family who were a very important part of her life and made her feel very special and loved, notably Pastor Dave Green, Brother David Ossenfort, and Dr. Sherry Ann Lints who were so uplifting to Aggie; Rev. Paul Drobin for his prayers; the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; and the amazing staff at the Abraham House for the comforting accommodations and compassionate care provided to Aggie during her final journey, with special mention of Executive Director, Gina Ciaccia. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, contributions may be considered to the Abraham House in recognition of their outstanding mission; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Aggie's funeral service which will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 at the Living Faith Bible Church, 2922 Oneida Street, corner of Pinnacle Road, Sauquoit, NY. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Agnes M. "Aggie" (Carvelli) LaScala Russo

October 14, 1923 - April 4, 2017