Mrs. Concetta "Congettina" (Bruno) DiPierro

UTICA - Mrs. Concetta “Congettina” (Bruno) DiPierro, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. At the time of her passing she was surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on September 23, 1924 in the town of Missanello, Province of Potenza, in the Southern region of Basilicata, Italy, the daughter of the late Rocco and Giulia (Fantasia) Bruno. She was raised and educated in Italy. In 1948 she wed Giuseppe DiPierro with whom she shared 13 years in a loving marriage until his untimely passing on October 3, 1961. Congettina was a ‘Unique Treasure’ and one of Utica’s best-kept secrets. She inspired and introduced many delicacies that would go on to be imitated or duplicated in different versions to this day. Her greens and giambotte were legendary, and her pasta was renowned, especially her raviolis. Many of Utica’s finest eateries featured her talented culinary creations. Her family marveled at her tremendous strength and sensitivity. She was an exceptional woman with a warm and welcoming heart that held so much love for her family. When you met her, she greeted you with genuine good will, and her compassion and humanity forever remained in your heart. Concetta was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and at one time was a member of the St. Rocco Society and San Donato Society. For relaxation, Concetta loved to play Bingo and enjoyed family trips to the casino. Among her countless acts of maternal devotion and self-sacrifice, her children will cherish the memories of their mom bringing them to professional wrestling events. When a loved one like Concetta passes, ordinary experiences of the past become extraordinary pieces of the present that live on in stories told to future generations. Concetta is survived by her daughter, Julie A. Conti of Utica. Always cherished was the memory of her beloved daughter, Maria Annette who passed away in 1963. She also leaves her sons and daughter-in-law, Rocco and Suzanne DiPierro of New Hartford, and Joseph A. DiPierro and fiancée Haydee Fernandez of Utica; her grandchildren, Robert Conti; Maria Gina DiPierro, Roxanne G. and Patrick Berkey, Steffani DiPierro; and Joseph Rocco and Kimberly DiPierro; great-grandchildren, Anthony; Rocco, twins Matteo and Joseph; Alana, Giuseppe, and twins Giulianna and Gianna; and her sister, Maria Orsino of Italy. She was also blessed throughout her life with the love of the Priore family, Marge and John Collis and family, the George family, Debbie and Ray Ortiz and their daughter Christina who was like her own, Mary Colucci and family, Kathleen “Kay” Arcuri and family, Rose Trevisani and family, Dolores Massa and family, Marion Desiato and family, and her “game show sidekick” Samantha. In addition, she leaves her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all residing in Italy, France, and England; and cousins, especially acknowledging Biagio and Elvira Chirico and family of Utica, and Joseph and Emma Spina and family of Frankfort; and her beloved godchildren, Leonarda Priore, Tina George, and Joanne Kortrite. She was predeceased by her brothers, Giuseppe Bruno, Rocco Bruno, Antonio Bruno, and Eduardo Bruno; and her sister, Caterina Carbone all of Italy. She was also predeceased by cousins, Franco and Rosa Rinaldi, and Rocco and Maria Rinaldi of Utica. The family extends a special thank you to Melissa Richlin for her loving care, Ernie Massa who was attentive to her needs and who she loved as a son, Alek from PCU at the Faxton-St. Luke’s campus and Kimberly from the 3rd Floor Comfort Care at St. Luke’s for their loving care, and Dr. Abin Pachikara for his kindness throughout the years. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Concetta’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Concetta "Congettina" (Bruno) DiPierro

September 23, 1924 - December 13, 2017