Mrs. Carmella (DeBernardis) Noti-Perkins

Mrs. Carmella (DeBernardis) Noti-Perkins, age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the Abraham House with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 23, 1927, Carmella was the daughter of the late Serafino and Lucia (DeRisio) DeBernardis. She was raised and educated locally and helped with the family’s financial responsibilities by working at a young age. In 1946 she married Salvatore L. “Sam” Noti with whom she shared 31 years. It was a good marriage and they endeared their years to one another and to family life. Sam passed away in 1977. In 1990 Carmella entered into a second union when she wed Herbert L. “Herbie” Perkins, Jr. They companioned each other through the later years of their lives and she appreciated that he loved her children. Herbie passed away in 2007. During her working life, Carmella held positions as a machine operator at UNIVAC, General Electric/Bleecker St. plant, Fredericks, and Kelsey Hayes. She also offered her time at the local Senior Center. She was also employed at the Palm Grill where patrons knew and loved her as she dispensed spirits and a nip of wisdom as well. All in all, Carmella was a hard worker who offered her very best effort in every endeavor of her life. As matriarch, Carmella’s family was foremost in her heart. She knew each of her children individually and loved each of them for their unique qualities. Her greatest honor was having children who respected her and raising them to understand the values of family. She also loved each and every one of her grandchildren who opened a new chapter of her life. Carmella was an energetic, determined woman, cordial, yet feisty at times. She was sociable and bonded with “the club” of sisters and dear friends who gathered regularly for conversation and food that was in abundance. She was so much fun and would do anything for a laugh. Her home was adorned with beautiful blooms and houseplants, inside and out, compliments of her ‘green-thumb’. Family get-togethers were a must, especially when the DeBernardis and Noti families shared a table that was a mile long and filled with laughter, great memories, and cultural traditions of the past. These were good times. During her younger years, Carmella enjoyed bowling, crocheting, and cooking. She prepared her children to receive the Sacraments of their Catholic creed and was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Carmella is survived by her children and their loves, John and Eileen Noti of Oriskany Falls, Angela “Angie” and Leon Hare of Utica, Salvatore L., Jr. and Karen Noti of Whitesboro, and Kathi and Randy Wheatley of Newport, NY; her grandchildren, Robert Noti, John Jr. and Mirella Noti, Patrick and Julie Noti, Jason and Janna Quatrino, Danny and Teresa Quatrino; Leon Hare Jr., Adam Hare, Carmella Hare, and Joseph Hare; Nicole and Brad Rose, Salvatore III and Jolene Noti, Rachel and Mark Mathy; Darek Wheatley and fiancee Kathleen Nyzio, and Austin and Kayla Wheatley; her numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was happy and proud to be the grand matriarch of five generations of family. She also leaves her sisters, Lucy LeoGrande, Elvira Williams, Marie Carbone, and Rita Davis; her brother and sister-in-law, Serafino “Sam” and Rosemary DeBernardis; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friend, Nelli Maggiore, who was her maid-of-honor and lifelong friend. She was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses, Theresa and Albert Russo, Frances and Lucian Cicigline, John DeBernardis, Anthony F. and Millie DeBernardis, and Linda Lowery; her in-laws, Joe LeoGrande, Clarence Williams, John Carbone, Jr., and James Davis; and members of her late husband’s families, Sam Noti, and Herbie Perkins. The family is grateful to Carmella’s primary caregiver, Dr. Kevin McCormick; the entire staff and volunteers of the Abraham House who graciously opened their home to Carmella during her final journey as well as the many kindnesses offered to her family; and Fr. James Cesta for his final prayers and blessing. The family will honor and commemorate Carmella’s life at a private time. Carmella’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Abraham House in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Carmella (DeBernardis) Noti-Perkins

September 23, 1927 - January 25, 2017