Mrs. Antoinette Carmella (Graziano) Passante

Mrs. Antoinette Carmella (Graziano) Passante, age 89, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the Sitrin Health Care Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on October 28, 1925, Antoinette was the daughter of the late Santo and Maria (Coriale) Graziano. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. She later continued her academic studies and received her Certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). On May 24, 1947 she married Alfred T. Passante, Sr. with whom she shared a 58 year union. They were a loving, caring couple and together they upheld the Italian traditions of family values and Sunday dinners. Alfred passed away on November 24, 2005. Antoinette was employed as a Nurse’s Aide with the Masonic Care Community for many years. She was all heart, and her warm and friendly personality drew people to her. She was pleasant, polite, and eager to please. Her strength of spirit inspired those who shared her life. She was devoted to her family and welcomed all into her home. The love and interaction she shared with family and friends was fundamental to her personal happiness and nurturing nature. Antoinette was known for her Italian cooking. Her meatballs and fried dough were some of the best in town! She also crocheted and created blankets for her loved ones. During her leisure time, she cherished her canasta card parties with her friends, spending time with her sisters, and Bingo at the former Sons of Italy and the casino. She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Antoinette is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ellen and Todd Manderson of Ballston Spa; her sons and daughters-in-law, Alfred Thomas, Jr. and Paula Passante of Vernon, Peter Michael, Sr. and Rita Passante of Herkimer, and Ronald A. Passante of New Hartford; her beloved grandchildren, Jason Passante, Jennifer and Mark Lundquist, Alison and Jason Brown, and Nicole Passante; Tammy and Joseph Butera, Ryan and Whitney Passante, Peter M., Jr., and Matthew Passante; and Taylor, Kylie, and Jake Manderson; and her great-grandchildren, Madison, Joey, Cristian, Trey, Reese, Julian, and Abri. She is also survived by her cherished godson, Louis Torchia; and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Adeline “Lena” and Philip Torchia, Victoria and Samuel A. Vedete, and Rose and Stanley Mieczkowski; her nephew, Richard A. Vedete; her niece, Marielena Walters; and her in-laws, Irene and Louis Capparelli, Peter Passante, Esmond Passante, Louis Passante, Orrie Passante, and Lucy Passante. The family extends their gratitude to the nurses and staff of the Sycamore House at the Sitrin Health Care Center who tended to Antoinette with love and compassion during her stay. Visitation will be held Friday from 9:00-11:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit flowers. Antoinette’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will follow graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery.