Mrs. Carmella (Dolce) Manella

Mrs. Carmella (Dolce) Manella, age 86, of Utica, and a resident of Wiley Hall at the Masonic Care Community of NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on February 11, 1930, Carmella was the daughter of the late Gerald and Jane (Carnavale) Dolce. She attended T.R. Proctor High School. On June 18, 1949 she married Frank J. Manella with whom she shared 50 years of joy, and the blessing of their beloved children. Frank passed away on December 8, 2000. Over her working years, Carmella was employed by DanDee Donuts on Mohawk Street and Dunkin’ Donuts on Seneca Turnpike. She also worked in the Utica City School District as a food server in the cafeteria at Jefferson Elementary School. She was well-suited to her career choice because she loved to accommodate others and be among children. Carmella was a very family-oriented woman. Her priority in life was raising her family and providing values and life lessons to her children through her good example as a mother. When she wanted to express her opinion, she spoke her piece of mind, always with good intentions. As much as she loved her children, she also loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all her heart. When they were young, grandma served as a built-in baby sitter because she was so proud of her grandkids and wanted to be near them and be a part of their lives. Sunday dinner was a must, and all were treated to her traditional Italian meal. Her own mother also graced their Sunday dinner table until her passing. Carmella enjoyed socializing and she was always on the go throughout her life. She and her husband loved to listen to music and bands at area events. She practiced her Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Attending Sunday Mass and participating in church festivals were an important part of her life. She took an interest in reading, especially Danielle Steele novels, and took pleasure in playing a friendly game of cards and bingo at the former Cornhill Senior Center. Carmella is survived by her children and their loves, Patricia and Wayne Currier of Utica, Janis Marchitelli of Chittenango/Manlius, Frank G. and Donna Manella of Herkimer, and John and Christine Manella of Atlanta, GA. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Nicholas Marchitelli. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Michael Zammiello and Jenn Murphy, and Alicia and Jonathan Perkins; Christopher, and Nicholas Marchitelli; Tonya and Leo Myers, Frank C. Manella and his fiancée Kristen Kuehnie, Justin Manella, and Crystal and Gary Grimshaw; and Aidan Manella. She will be missed by her cherished great-grandchildren, Brody, and Cosima Jane; Leo, Ryan, and Caleb; Gary and Gavyn Grimshaw; and Olyvia, and twins Bryana, and Gabryella; sisters and brother-in-law, Theresa Mazzara, and Geraldine and Richard Ziezio; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and she was blessed with many good friends during her life time. Carmella was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Delores and Phil Turchetti; in laws, Salvatore Mazzara, Patsy and Lucille Manella, and Carmella Manella; and her niece, Carmelita Manella. The family would like to thank the staff of Wiley Hall for their attentiveness to all of Carmella’s needs and for revitalizing her life. She considered this her second home for which her children are very grateful. In keeping with Carm’s wishes there will be no public visitation. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider a donation to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish; envelopes will be available at church. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carmella’s funeral service and Celebration of life which will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Carmella (Dolce) Manella

February 11, 1930 - March 20, 2016