Mrs. Catherine "Kay" (Reale) Giannico

YORKVILLE – Mrs. Catherine “Kay” (Reale) Giannico, age 97, passed away on Friday, October 24, at Rome Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Utica on May 6, 1928, Catherine was the daughter of the late John and Louise (Maggolini) Reale. She was raised and educated locally, attending Brandegee Grammar School and T.R. Proctor High School. On May 31, 1952, Kay was united in marriage to Sam R. Giannico. They were true companions of the heart, sharing more than 42 years of love and devotion until Sam’s passing on December 3, 1994. Kay worked for various manufacturers throughout the area, including local knitting mills and the General Electric Co. Later, she was employed at Star’s Department Store as an associate clerk — a well-suited position for Kay, as she truly enjoyed helping customers. Close family bonds were extremely important to Kay, as were traditions, gatherings, and celebrations. She was deeply involved and committed, yet independent by nature. A true survivor, Kay embraced the many changes life brought her way. She was social and active, and the growing generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren made her feel alive and inspired. Kay was a member of the Whitestown Vets, Whitestown American Legion Auxiliary, the VFW of New York Mills, and the Parkway Senior Center. She enjoyed camping, shuffleboard, bocce, line dancing, and friendly card games at the Whitestown Vets, and she especially loved going out to dinner with friends. She was active with the Disco Dollies, performing at the Parkway Senior Center and Mt. Carmel Apartments. Christmas celebrations always remained a cherished tradition in her home and in her heart. Kay was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Kay is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christine “Chris” and James “Jim” Gleason Sr. of Westmoreland. She held close to her heart the memories of her daughters who preceded her, Kathleen C. Giannico (2009), and her two infant daughters (1954 and 1958). She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved grandchildren, Jimmy Gleason Jr. and Mandy Barnes, and Jason and Andrea Gleason; great-grandchildren, Samantha Gleason, James Gleason III (and their mother, Licia Moore, for whom the family is deeply grateful for her dedication to Kay), Axton Gleason, Elsie-Kay Gleason, and twins Maverick and Macklin Gleason. Kay fondly remembered her siblings and their spouses who preceded her: Isabella Torraco; Michael L. and Sarah R. Reale; Cecilia and Dick Gardinier; Angeline and Paul Marfone; Ignazio “Cosmo” and Margaret J. “Peggy” Reale; Antoinette and William M. Sullivan Sr.; and Nicholas Reale Sr. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Ruth Reale; many special nieces, nephews, two great-nieces, cousins; her in-law, Michael Giannico (the late Winifred M. “Winnie” Giannico); and the many wonderful, loyal friends she was blessed with — especially Shirley Pavese, with whom she shared many dinners and adventures. Kay was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Anna (Silvestri) Giannico; and her in-laws, Ida Giannico, Mary Piazza, Sue Bravo, and Bill Sullivan. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Catherine’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family, where Kay will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Mrs. Catherine "Kay" (Reale) Giannico

May 6, 1928 - October 24, 2025