Catherine (Saggese) Alsante

Mrs. Catherine (Saggese) Alsante, of Utica, who celebrated 100 years of life, passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on November 3, 1910, Catherine was the daughter of the late Giuseppe “Joseph” and Carmella “Cora” (Conte) Saggese. She was raised and educated locally. In 1935 she married Fred “Fritz” Alsante who passed away in 1945, and from that marriage came the blessing of their adored son. In her younger years, Catherine worked diligently for many years as an inspection supervisor at the General Electric Company Radio/Receiver Plant on Bleecker St. until her retirement. At home, she was affectionately known to her son as “Katie”, and they shared a great closeness with one another. Her tenacity, generosity, and traditional values, made her a beautiful mother. She welcomed her daughter-in-law, “Pinky” with a mother’s love and truly enjoyed her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. The days at the Gilbert Street homestead with her family were filled with memories of togetherness and generational gatherings. Each family member had a responsibility in the job of keeping a tidy home, a quality she maintained proudly and graciously throughout her life. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Catherine is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Fred A. and Virginia “Pinky” Alsante of Utica; her grandchildren, Cora and Joseph Chirco of Jamesville, NY, and Fred and Denise (Borruso) Alsante of Utica; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Bennett, Maxwell, and Francesca, proudly her only great-granddaughter; and Freddy, Anthony, and Santino. Survivors also include her brother and sister-in-law, Angelo and Louise Saggese of Utica; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Catherine was also blessed with many special friends during her lifetime, especially Frances Dixson and those at the Brook Apartments. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Lula and Michael King, Mary A. Saggese, and Philomena and John Zangrilli; and her brother and sister-in-law, Frank “Chieko” and Victoria Saggese. The family is grateful to Dr. Carol Beechy, and Dr. Anne Nafziger at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, for their personal commitment in caring for Catherine. Thanks also to the staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY who welcomed Catherine for rehabilitation during the final days of her life. Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 9:00-10:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Catherine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Catherine (Saggese) Alsante

November 3, 1910 - December 8, 2010