Mrs. Flora (Fraccola) Rabice

Mrs. Flora (Fraccola) Rabice, age 94, who made her home on Kossuth Ave. for many years and more recently of Clinton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 3, 2011 in the comfort and privacy of her home. Flora was born in Utica on January 7, 1917, the daughter of the late Louis A. and Julia (Salerno) Fraccola. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy Class of 1935. On September 14, 1940 she wed Felix F. “Phil” Rabice with whom she shared nearly 60 years in a union devoted to one another; their traditional marriage was always supportive of family life. Flora was employed by the General Electric Company at numerous Utica locations. A humble and serene woman, Flora’s greatest gift was motherhood, and the love and respect shown to her by her family was her blessing. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Flora is survived by her children and their spouses, Loretta Manna-Nafis and her companion, Bill Byars of Sebring, Florida; Michael “Mickey” Rabice of Utica, Phyllis Moracco of San Jose, California, and Dr. Louis and Jan Rabice of Clinton; her grandchildren, Tracey Smith, David and Leslie Manna, Dr. Michael Rabice, Phillip and Christine Rabice, P.J. and Tiffany Rabice; Joseph Moracco, Bobby Moracco; and Sarah Rabice. Always close to her heart was the memory of her grandson, Michael Manna, who passed away in 2009. She also leaves her great grandchildren, Kayla Smith, Dylan Smith; Isabella, and Daniel Rabice; Samantha and Reese Moracco; and Harrison Craven; her cherished sister, Marie Carzo of Utica and her companion Ray Cardinale; her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Ruth Fraccola of CA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law, Joseph Kupiec. She was blessed with the love and friendship of Carol Carzo and Peaches Circelli. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna and Albert Petronio, and Ida Kupiec; her in-laws, Joseph Carzo, Anthony and Jessie Rabice, Patrick and Betty Rabice, Mary and Ed Rothdiener, and Ralph and Anne Rabice; and her beloved friends, Laura and Larry Russo, and Tom and Grace Maine. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Central NY Cardiology, especially Dr. Brian Gaffney, and Dr. Ashok Patel; also Dr. Toby Taylor and his staff for their outstanding and caring regard; the personnel of the Villas Sherman Brook and its director, Meg Cardamone; and the caregivers of Compassionate Elder Care for the respect and love they rendered to Flora. The family will honor and commemorate Flora’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Abraham House (www.theabrahamhouse.org): a home for the terminally ill operating strictly on donations, or the Thea Bowman House (www.theabowmanhouse.org): an organization serving at-risk children and families, or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society (www.stevens-swan.org): honoring her love for animals; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Flora (Fraccola) Rabice

January 7, 1917 - November 3, 2011