Catherine (Moran) Vatalaro

Mrs. Catherine “Katie”(Moran) Vatalaro, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2006, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Her loving family was by her side at the time of her passing. Born in Syracuse on June 29, 1925, Katie was the daughter of the late William J., Sr. and Elizabeth (Carey) Moran. She was raised and educated locally. As her vocation, Katie was a teacher’s aide at the Neighborhood Center. The children she tended affectionately referred to her as Nonnie K. A cultural woman, she was eminently proud of her Irish heritage and held it close to her heart. Accomplished in culinary and baking skills, she was generous with these talents and was appreciated by family and friends. She also crocheted many fine articles of clothing for friends and relatives. Katie’s devotion to her family was abundant, and she provided them with a loving environment. Ever attentive to their needs, she instilled in her children charitable ethics and moral conviction. Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. A woman of great inner strength and charity, she taught her family, by example, the value of unconditional love and devotion. She was a parishioner of St. Agnes Church and a member of The Christ Child Society. She was dedicated to her religion. Mrs. Vatalaro is survived by her children, Ray Vatalaro, and Nick Vatalaro, both of Utica, Beth and Bob Davies of Mount Holly, NJ, Lillian Vatalaro of Utica, and Kevin and Terry Vatalaro of Long Island; and their father, Nicholas Vatalaro. In addition, she leaves 9 grandchildren, with special mention of MaryKay Vatalaro and Jackie Vatalaro, who considered their Nonnie as “Mom”. She is also survived by 6 great grandchildren. Being one of 8 children, she is survived by her sister, Bridget Yourno of West Winfield; several nieces and nephews, with special mention of her nephew Joe and his wife, Bev Moran of CA; and great-nieces and great-nephews. Katie will also be missed dearly by many friends. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Marie Vatalaro, with whom she shared a close friendship. Katie’s family extends their deepest thanks to Dr. Atul Butala and his staff, Dr. Thomas F. Spath, and the nurses and staff of the 6th floor and the Emergency Room of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their compassionate care. Visitation will be held today (Wednesday) from 5-7 pm at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Katie’s honor to the Neighborhood Center or the Christ Child Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Vatalaro’s funeral will commence on Thursday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Crown Hill Memorial Park.

Catherine (Moran) Vatalaro

June 29, 1925 - August 27, 2006