Carmella "Pudgy" (Pezzulo) DeCola

Mrs. Carmella "Pudgy" (Pezzulo) DeCola, age 86, formerly of Bleecker St., Utica, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2006, at the Heritage Healthcare Center with her family by her side. Born in Utica on September 27, 1919, Carmella was the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Pezzulo) Pezzulo. She was raised here and attended local schools. On October 26, 1946 she married Mattio R. DeCola. Always sharing together the joys and commitments of marriage and family, the couple truly enjoyed each other's love and companionship throughout their union of 56 years. Since Mattio's passing on January 9, 2003, Carmella has cherished his memory in her heart. At one time Mrs. DeCola worked for the American Emblem Co. She then accepted a position as a utility worker at the General Electric facility on Bleecker St. She retired in 1972 after many years of conscientious service. Over the years Carmella's greatest pleasures have derived from her husband, her children, and her home. In more recent times, particularly since the arrival of her grandchildren, she has considered herself blessed with a life that has been complete, fulfilled, and rewarding. The many sacrifices she selflessly made for the benefit of her loved ones were well worth her efforts and were reciprocated by their everlasting love and respect. As an excellent cook and conscientious homemaker, she especially loved entertaining family and friends during the holidays. A communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Carmella was at one time involved in various parish groups and religious activities, including the PTA of St. Anthony of Padua School, the Christian Women's Club, the 3rd Order of St. Francis, and the Ladies' Auxiliary 321 of the Knights of St. John. She was also active in special events, such as the parish bazaar and the St. Cosmos and Damiano celebrations. An excellent golfer, Carmella was a longtime player in the Women's League at Valley View. Mrs. DeCola is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Maria E. and Richard J. Salamida of Utica. She treasured in her heart the memory of a daughter, Carolyn R. Moorehead, who preceded her in death on December 16, 2001. Carmella's survivors also include a son-in-law, Joseph F. Moorehead of Utica; her three cherished grandchildren, Tracy and Michael Bassett of Marcy, Joseph F. Moorehead Jr., and Jonathan M. Moorehead, both of Utica; and her beloved great-grandchild, Hailey R. Bassett of Marcy. In addition, she leaves a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; her in-laws, Sara Pezzulo of Utica, Evelyn DeCola of Whitesboro, and Romeo DeCola of Utica; and many longtime friends, including Tom and Joe Graziano, Joseph and Rose Colicci, Anthony Colicci, and Betty Salimida, as well as her many friends from the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John. Mrs. DeCola was predeceased by three sisters and a brother-in-law, Ursula and Michael Nasto, Caroline "Lillian" Pezzulo, and Mary DeMarco; five brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Lena Pezzulo, Vincent Pezzulo, Nicholas and Mary Pezzulo, Stephen and Lillian Pezzulo, and Michael N. Pezzulo; and her in-laws, Adolf F. "Tuffy" DeCola, George and Nancy DeCola, June DeCola, Julia DeCola, and Rose M. DeCola. The family extends its sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Heritage Healthcare Center who were exceptional in the loving care they offered Carmella. Thanks also to Dr. Raouf A. Kodsy for his professionalism. Visitation will be held today (Monday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Mrs. DeCola's funeral will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 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.

Carmella "Pudgy" (Pezzulo) DeCola

September 27, 1927 - January 27, 2006