Bertha A. (Bashaw) D'Acunto

Mrs. Bertha A. (Bashaw) D’Acunto, age 75, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 9, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Malone, NY on December 12, 1932, Bertha was the daughter of the late Fred and Bertha (Jeror) Bashaw. She was raised and educated in Malone. On April 16, 1955 she married Benedict J. D’Acunto with whom she shared 53 years united in body, mind, and spirit; they adored one another and will remain connected in a special way though she will not physically be present. Bertha and Benedict were blessed with children who fulfilled their lives. She enjoyed her role as homemaker and caretaker and she raised her family with much devotion. She served as a positive force in her children’s lives, and she truly felt that they were her greatest accomplishment. She was proud of each and every one of them. She was also a second mother to her grandchildren, always loving, nurturing, and giving. Her love was appreciated, as she was a woman much admired by this generation of her family. Talented in the art of sewing, she was also famous for her Sunday pasta dinners. Bertha was a genuine woman who was unpretentious, honest, and truthful to herself and to her Lord, and she served others selflessly in her humble way. She was a member of the Better Covenant Church. Bertha is survived by her husband Benedict, affectionately known as “Honey”; her children and their families, Benedict J., Jr. and Mary D’Acunto, Patricia A. and Frank J. Gaetano, Jr., Rose A. D’Acunto, Anthony W. D’Acunto, Donna L. D’Acunto and fiancé Tony Giacovelli, and Malvena and Tom DiMambro, all of Utica; her grandchildren, Mary D’Acunto; Jessica, Brittany, and Kevin Manolescu; Anthony, Brandon, Courtney, and Marissa DiMambro; Gina and Dan Fenton, Cheryl and Mike Camaino, Chuck and Charlene Gaetano; Anthony, Jr. and Tayla Giacovelli. She was anticipating the birth of her first great-grandaughter. Survivors also include her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and John Wagner of SC; her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Vicki and Carl Bashaw, Mary Ann and Jim Quinn, and Terri and Joe Peplinski; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Dr. Ralph D’Acunto, Frances Dixon, Ernest D’Acunto and his wife Arlene with whom Bertha shared a dear and trusting relationship, and Melvina Rabbia with whom she shared a sisterhood of love and her husband Joseph, and Felix Vennero. She also developed many good friendships at the Better Covenant Church women’s group. She shared a wonderful friendship with Verna who shared the excitement of games of chance. Bertha also leaves special friends Anthony and Genevieve DiMambro. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Willard and Bernice Bashaw, Henry and Dorothy Allen; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Charlotte and Henry Basilier, Mildred and Abraham Moses, Helen and Herbert Paul; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alexandro and Rose D’Acunto; and in-laws, Anthony and Catherine D’Acunto, Rachel Vennero, and Joseph Dixon. The family is grateful to Dr. Thomas C. Mathew, Dr. Nabeel G. El-Amir, the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, with special mention of Geri Owens, Mary Ellen, and Carol, as well as the staff of the Critical Care Unit at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially Jeannie Olney. All of the outstanding compassion and concern was of great comfort. A special thank you is extended to Pastor James Blum and his wife Margy of the Better Covenant Church, both of whom have been of great spiritual guidance and friendship. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Bertha’s honor to the Utica Rescue Mission; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Bertha’s Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Better Covenant Church, 3900 Oneida Street in Washington Mills with Pastor James Blum officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Bertha A. (Bashaw) D'Acunto

December 12, 1932 - June 9, 2008