Anna E. (Alito) Fusco

Mrs. Anna E. (Alito) Fusco, age 87, a native Utican, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, December 27, 2013 at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY, Inc. Born in Utica on November 19, 1926, Anna was the daughter of the late Frank and Julia (Lauria) Alito. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. On October 4, 1947 she married Salvatore A. “Sam” Fusco with whom she shared her love and her life for nearly 58 years until his passing on May 7, 2005. In her younger years, Anna held positions at the Jane Lee Dress Shop, the Oneita Knitting Mill, and the General Electric Company at the Radio/Receiver Plant. Through the auspices of the Utica Board of Education, she was appointed to a position at the Neighborhood Center, and later on she worked at the East Side Senior Center at their original location on Bleecker Street and thereafter at the updated location on Catherine Street. Anna was endowed with many aptitudes; she taught gourmet cooking classes, sewing, and crafts until 2005. An energetic woman who gave so much of herself, she cherished her time at the East Side Senior Center, a second home to her where camaraderie and the lifetime friendships she made were paramount. The well-being of that organization was deep within her soul and she was honored and proud when asked to serve on the Board of Directors. Those days were never forgotten. Anna was a lifelong and faithful communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, her home parish where she received all her Sacraments. She was a member of the St. Theresa Society and the Christian Women’s Club, once serving as treasurer. Her participation in church functions was important to her, especially volunteering at all festivities and bake sales, most notably the celebration of the feast of St. Cosmos & St. Damiano. She also attended the novenas, and notably could be remembered for enjoying sitting in the same pew at weekend Masses, and she was honored to serve as the pizza fritta “fryer”, a position which she worked so hard to obtain. Anna’s life within the church was rewarding to her and a source of comfort to her to the very end. Anna’s mother was an excellent cook and an inspiration to her. She loved the adventure she embarked upon when creating artistic cuisine. She was resourceful and productive with her recipes, sharing the delicious results with family, friends, and anyone who would partake. She welcomed all to her table. Her baking was outstanding, varied, delectable, and ‘made from scratch’ with the added special ingredient of her love. Sewing also came easy to her. She could replicate and design an article of clothing that she saw in a photo with stunning style and perfection! She made all her own clothing, her daughter’s wardrobe, and did alterations for family and friends. She gifted to many these talents and works of art for which she will be remembered. She was also an immaculate housekeeper and held a great pride in her home which was always a place to share a visit and feel welcomed. Anna’s strong-willed personality made her a leader and a hard worker. Although very compassionate, she was not afraid to make a decision, and was always ready with a solution. But most of all, her family came first. She was blessed with good health which enabled her to have many good, quality years. Anna leaves a legacy to her children of all these admirable qualities by which she lived a gracious life. Anna will be long remembered by her children and their loves, her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Fred N. Haritatos, Jr. of Rome; and her son, Salvatore A. “Sam” Fusco, Jr. and Kathleen M. Marley of AZ. Also left to mourn her passing are her sisters and brothers-in-law, Delores and Robert Mitzler of Utica, and Joan and Nicholas Piperata of New Hartford; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, several godchildren, and in-laws, Patricia Alito, Richard Cummings, Mary C. Mancuso, Katherine Fondario, Rose DeSanctis, and Jean Baldwin. She was predeceased by her brother, Pasquale A. Alito; her sisters and brother-in-law, Philomena “Phyl” and Frederick Dziuban, and Sally Cummings; and her in-laws and their spouses, Anthony and Mary Fusco, Paul Mancuso, Sandra and Dominick DeCrescenzo, Carmella and Walter Reese, Edward DeSanctis, and Russell Baldwin. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Francis Chabot and Nurse Practitioner Phyllis Christopher who were incredible in caring for Anna. The staff of the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. treated Anna with love and respect, especially acknowledging the Maple Wing, Social Worker Steve Szmurlo, Activities Director Terry, and Pastoral Director Tom Lorenz. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Anna’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Anna E. (Alito) Fusco

November 19, 1926 - December 27, 2013