Frances M. (Grzesiak) Coccagnia

UTICA – Frances M. (Grzesiak) Coccagnia, age 71, went home to the Lord on Monday, January 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with complications from Stage II lung cancer. She is lovingly remembered by her family and many dear loved ones who will miss her deeply. Born in New Hartford on October 12, 1954, Frances was the daughter of the late Frank S. and Lydia (Gelfuso) Grzesiak. She attended Brandegee Elementary School and T.R. Proctor High School. At one time, she was married to David Coccagnia, and they were blessed with a daughter, who was one of Frances’ greatest treasures. Frances was employed with St. Elizabeth Hospital for 47 years. She worked as a Nurse Tech in the Ambulatory Surgery Department, where she treated her patients with empathy and compassion, caring for them like family. She was well loved by the staff and retired in September of 2020 after an illustrious career. As a mom, she was the best! She and her daughter did everything together; they were “two peas in a pod.” Their activities included traveling, casino activities, dinners at favorite restaurants, and watching TV programs like “All in the Family” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” As a person, she was kind, compassionate, protective, loving, and supportive. She offered advice with care and concern, always concluding with, “Do what you need to do.” She had a very reserved personality, but in all the roles she held in life, she lived them out well. She saw the good in others and had a positive outlook on them. Playing bingo was an amusing time for her. Frances celebrated the holidays by enjoying all the traditional foods for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. She knew the Lord, having a personal relationship with Him and leaning upon Him most during her difficult times. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Frances is survived by her daughter, Nicole A. Coccagnia– they shared a home together, and they were the best of roommates. She is additionally survived by her sisters and brothers, Anna Shaut, Marie Grzesiak, Frank Grzesiak Jr. and Mary Ann Robbins, Carol Grzesiak, and Patrick “Pat” Grzesiak; nephew, Taylor Shaut and Carol Wright; her aunt, Sylvia M. Gelfuso; and her cousins, Michael Grzesiak, Christine Smith, Larry Cicigline, and Wayne and Michele Dylis. Frances was blessed with wonderful friendships, including members of the Jefferies family, Pat Delett, and Marilyn Chiarello; they were never far from her thoughts. Frances was additionally predeceased by her uncles, Roger S. Gelfuso and Vito Gelfuso. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of 8E at Wynn Hospital for the kindness they showed in their care of Frances and her family, especially noting Jeanne and Rebecca – they were such compassionate women, showing such affection and concern. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Frances’ Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel, Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. The rite of committal will be offered in church, after which there will be an opportunity to greet the family. Memorial contributions in Frances’ honor may be considered to the Kelberman Center online at www.kelberman.org/giving/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Frances M. (Grzesiak) Coccagnia

October 12, 1954 - January 26, 2026