Carol (Stiffa) Robertaccio

Mrs. Carol (Stiffa) Robertaccio, age 62, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family and friends by her side. Born in Utica on May 23, 1947, Carol is the daughter of Alfonso and Mary (Costa) Stiffa. Raised and educated locally, she was a 1965 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. She pursued her college education at Oswego State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education. On August 1, 1970 she married James M. Robertaccio with whom she shared 39 years of fun and passion for life and for each other. Carol began her career as an elementary education teacher with the New Hartford Central School District at Miles Elementary School. She left the working world to raise her children and later returned to the classroom at Hughes Elementary School on Higby Road, retiring in 2002. One of Carol’s passions and greatest joys came from her involvement with animal advocacy; she served with pride as President of the Auxilia ry of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society where she enriched its mission through her hard work, and also served as a board member. She was also a board member of the Kindred Spirits Greyhound Adoption, Inc. Carol was highly respected by her colleagues in these organizations for her tireless commitment and fundraising skills. During her leisure time, she looked forward to traveling and loved the ‘beach life’, and she treasured being together with Jim and her family. Above all, Carol treasured the relationship with her beloved granddaughters, Ava and Mia, who completed her life. Throughout the years, she found enjoyment from her hobbies of antiquing, jewelry making, and watercolor painting, to name a few. Carol was blessed with many creative expressions which she displayed with great artistry and energy. She had style, grace, wisdom, and creativity that touched the lives of so many. She also had tenacity for justice, celebrated life, and upheld relationships with her unique spirit. She was faithful to her values and beliefs in every realm of her life, including family matters, children entrusted to her in her classroom, friendships that she honored, and the animals which were her “kindred spirits”. She was equally at ease and generous with her best attributes --- her warmth and her humor. She was a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Carol is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughter and son-in-law, Gabrielle “Gabby” and Freddy A. LaBella, Jr. of New Hartford; her son, Lieutenant Mateo Robertaccio, U.S. Navy, stationed in California; her parents, Al and Mary Stiffa of Utica; and her precious and adored granddaughters, Ava LaBella and Mia LaBella of New Hartford. Survivors also include several cousins; and her many wonderful and meaningful friendships, with special mention of Sharon Cleverly and Patricia Durante. She was predeceased by her in-laws, John L. and Agatha Robertaccio, John A. Robertaccio, and Francis L. Robertaccio. The family wishes to thank the many relatives and friends who have shared their support during Carol’s illness; and her numerous physicians, caregivers, and the outstanding staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, 6th Floor and ICU for their kindness and compassion. In keeping with Carol's wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday afternoon at 4:00 at Historic Old St. John's Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service; they ask that you respect their wishes to refrain from food or floral offerings and honor Carol’s memory with donations to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society Auxiliary, the Kindred Spirits Adoption, Inc. mission to rescue greyhounds, or the St. Jude Children’s Hospital; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Carol (Stiffa) Robertaccio

May 23, 1947 - September 1, 2009