Betty (Tontarski) Brescia

Mrs. Betty (Tontarski) Brescia, age 84, of Utica, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2008 at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center with her devoted family by her side. Born in Watertown, NY on September 11, 1923, Betty was the daughter of the late Stephen and Agnes (Howe) Tontarski. She was raised and educated in Copenhagen, NY. On October 15, 1949, she married Joseph J. Brescia with whom she shared a loving union of 43 years until his passing on September 14, 1992. As a couple, they were very compatible and supportive of family life that included their children and grandchildren. Betty’s primary focus was her family and her home. She also assisted her husband and in-laws with their family business, Brescia's Furniture Store, located on Bleecker St. A selfless woman from a young age, she possessed outstanding domestic talents which included sewing, crocheting, and knitting. Her culinary talents were evident in the many family gatherings that she hosted in her home with her unique style and generosity. To this day, “her rolls” remain legendary to those who partook of them. She was especially known for “Betty’s garden”, an awesome site to behold, filled with so many colorful perennials. She loved to endeavor in this hobby with such commitment, and she nourished the garden with the same compassion she dedicated to her relationships. It is befitting that her passing occurred during the month of May which is graced by the Lilly of the Valley, a flower associated with humility and sweetness. Betty felt so proud and blessed that her daughters and their families honored her until the moment of her passing, which was such a comfort to her. True to her sociable nature, she loved to write letters as a means of keeping in touch with friends. During the years that her daughters were in school, Betty was a member of the PTA and was generous with her baked good for school events. She shared a special interest in the sport of bowling, participating not only with her husband, but with the numerous friendships that were established and maintained for many years. She was a member of the Daughters of Columbus and a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Betty is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and David Keep of New York Mills, Linda and Michael Puleo, and Rosemary and Thomas Manley, all of Utica, and Gina and Anthony Sychtysz of New Hampshire; and her cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Beth Puleo, Philip Puleo; Michelle Sychtysz, Kristina Sychtysz; and Zachary Keep. Survivors also include her sister, Mary Monnat of Johnstown; her brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Gerri Tontarski of Watertown; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in laws, Frank Brescia, Rose Comito, Nicholas and Genevieve Brescia, Teresa Brown, Carmella and Dominick Rose, Patricia and Dr. Ramon Salas, Mary Brescia, and Jeanette Brescia. Betty was also blessed with many friendships throughout her life; those longtime and loyal friends and neighbors, as well as those good relationships she shared with ‘newer friends’ at Brook Apartments and the Presbyterian Adult Day Care program. She was predeceased by her brother and his wife, Francis and Fern Tontarski; a brother-in-law, William Monnat; and her in-laws, Mary and Joseph Riccardi, Anthony Brescia, Fred A. Brescia, Josephine Brescia, Frank Comito, and Adelbert “Brownie” Brown. The family is grateful for the wonderful care that Betty received from her physicians, especially Dr. Joseph Booth; her caretakers and aides, especially those at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center for their special attention. A note of appreciation is also extended to family and friends who were of support and encouragement. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Betty’s honor to the Faxton Regional Cancer Center or the Oneida County Office of the Aging; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Betty’s funeral service will commence Wednesday morning at 11:30 from the funeral home and at 12:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Betty (Tontarski) Brescia

September 11, 1923 - May 26, 2008