Mrs. Beverly A. "Bev" (Giffune) Cardillo

Mrs. Beverly A. “Bev” (Giffune) Cardillo, age 82, of Utica, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 12, 1929, Beverly was the daughter of the late Frank P. and Rockatell (Zongrone) Giffune. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1948. On June “the two”, 1951 she married Rufino J. “Fino” Cardillo with whom she shared nearly 57 years prior to his passing on April 19, 2008. As a devoted couple, they held a mutual respect and love for each other. Upon graduation from high school, Bev began her employment with the General Electric Company, leaving early in her career to begin raising a family. Along with her easygoing manner, she was a woman with a quick wit and a tactful sense of humor, she also held a deep and reassuring faith in God. First and foremost, Bev was a loving wife, dear mother, and a proud grandmother. Among many family traditions, she will be remembered for her cooking, baking, Sunday dinners, and seasonal decorating which she perfected over the years. Her three passions in life include her family, their cottage on Oneida Lake, and watching QVC. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 82 Women’s Auxiliary. Bev is survived by her daughters, Rochelle Cardillo and Mary Allanson, and Gina Cardillo, all of Utica, Marisa and Matthew Brooks of Rochester; her sons, Joseph Cardillo and Timothy Wissenbach of Utica; Victor and Donna Cardillo of Clinton; and her cherished grandchildren, Victoria Cardillo and Anthony Mangano of Orchard Park, NY; and Patrick Cardillo of Clinton. Also left to mourn her passing are her brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Mary Giffune of Whitesboro; her in-laws, Allen Gilberti of Whitesboro, Mary E. Utter of Utica, Victor J. Cardillo of Vernon, Carmellina and Ernest Mear of Utica; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, including her extended family, Peter and Teresa Fobare; many dear friends, and neighbors, with special mention of Johann Papagno. She was predeceased by her sister, Rosemary Gilberti in August of 2011, her in-laws, Pasquale “Pat” and Florence Cardillo, and Irene Cardillo, as well as her longtime childhood friend, Sara Tedesco, who remained dear to her heart. The family expresses sincere thanks to Dr. Fred Talerico and staff; the nurses and staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center Intensive Care Unit, with special mention to Dr. Kevin Mathews, the Utica Fire Department EMT staff; and the acute care staff at St. Elizabeth Emergency Room for their care and compassion. Bev’s Memorial Gathering will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her memorial funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. “Remember me with smiles and laughter For that is how I will remember you all. If you remember me with tears, Then don’t remember me at all”

Mrs. Beverly A. "Bev" (Giffune) Cardillo

April 12, 1929 - December 21, 2011