Mrs. Carmella L. (Cushman) Scanio

UTICA - Mrs. Carmella L. (Cushman) Scanio, age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving family by her side as attentive as they were during her times of need. Born in Mohawk, NY on July 16, 1926 on the feast of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel, Carmella was the 11th of 15 children of the late Joseph and Rose (Fidduccia) Cushman. She was raised and educated in Mohawk and was a graduate of the Utica School of Beauty Culture in the early 1960’s. On November 30, 1946 she married Ralph D. “Ray” Scanio with whom she shared 58 years and an abundance of love. As a couple, they worked diligently to provide for a good family life. Ray passed away on April 9, 2005. During the years between raising her children, Carm worked at the General Electric Company at the Bleecker Street location. She also held positions at Hamilton Digital and Joseph & Feiss Company. But the highlight of her working career was when she operated her own Beauty Salon, Carm’s Beauty Shop on Gilbert Street. Carm was blessed with a strong constitution and a thoughtful, giving character. Her priority was her family and her motto was “There is room in my heart, and room in my home”. She always arrived at a celebration or special occasion bearing gifts including crocheted heirloom afghans for family and friends. She also loved to cook and bake, and she was one of the original gals who made Pizza Fritta at the annual St. Anthony and the St. Cosmos & St. Damiano Feasts. She loved to putter around in her meticulously manicured garden. Carm was a brave woman when it came to her health issues. She was accepting and showed great fortitude… she never gave up. As a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, parish life was important to her. It brought her peace, prayer, and participation in social events with members of the congregation. She was a member of the Knights of St. John Ladies Auxiliary and a recipient of their Queen of Saints Award. She was also a member of the St. Theresa Society. Throughout her life, her spirituality was her foundation. She was grateful that God gave her the gift of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In their eyes she saw love, and in her heart she felt pride. Carmella is survived by her children and their spouses, Edward R. and Pauline Scanio, Mary Lou and Brock Butler, Carol and Dennis Capraro, and Lorrie and Steve Tibbits; her beloved grandchildren, Ralph and Karen Scanio, Mark and Kristen Scanio; Everett and Kate Butler, Rebecca Butler, and Laura Butler; Lindsey and Giles Smith, and Katherine Capraro; great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Nick, Michael; Andrew, Parker, and Will; and Jackson. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, Mary Cushman, and Annette Amendolare; and the many friendships that graced her life. She was predeceased by her siblings, Joseph, Anthony, Samuel, Pete, Sandy, Frank, PFC/Ross (killed in action during WW II), Charles, John, James, and Daniel Cushman, Mary Miller, Concetta Tinervia, and Rose Peterson. The family is grateful to Dr. Kevin McCormick for his professionalism and support; and the personnel of the Masonic Care Community/Wiley Hall/Windham Unit, all of whom were comforting and caring of Carmella’s well-being. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be considered to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Carmella’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Arthur Krawczenko. Committal prayers and Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mrs. Carmella L. (Cushman) Scanio

July 16, 1926 - September 6, 2017