Mrs. Francesca E. "Frances" (Zumbo) Barberio Castello

Mrs. Francesca E. “Frances” (Zumbo) Barberio Castello, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at her home, following her valiant battle. At the time of her passing, her loving family was by her side. Born in Utica on December 1, 1934, Frances was the daughter of the late Bruno and Rose (Gulla) Zumbo. Raised and educated locally, she was proud of attaining her Nurse Certification and honored her time spent helping others. On May 11, 1960 she was joined in marriage with Anthony Barberio, Sr. with whom she shared 42 years until his passing on November 18, 2002. She was blessed with a second union when she wed Norman P. Castello on May 8, 2009. With a caring heart, compassionate mind, and gentle hands, Frances followed her vocation working at the Masonic Care Community. She proudly continued her career as a loving caretaker at the Visiting Nurse Association for 34 years, retiring in 2000. She was a loving wife and a devoted and wonderful mother. She was very fond of her husband’s family and embraced them as her own. A selfless woman, Frances tended to the needs of others, and it was her kind and generous heart that uplifted everyone who touched her life. She loved attending bingo with her family, leisurely drives behind the wheel, and traveling, especially her many trips to California. A faith-filled parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, Frances was devoted to her daily personal prayers and petitions for the needs of friends and loved ones. Frances is survived by her husband, Norman; and her son and daughter-in-law, Gerard and Racheal Barberio of Utica. She cherished the memory of her son, Anthony Barberio, Jr., who passed away on January 16, 1977. She also leaves her adored grandchildren, Anthony Barberio, and Julius Barberio; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Clara Zumbo of CA, Vinny and Joan Zumbo of West Winfield, and Joseph and Carol Zumbo of Utica. Her extended family includes her step-children, Auria and Gary Gerhardt of Deerfield, N. Todd and Marie Castello of VA; her 6 step-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sisters-in-laws Barbara, Beatrice, Santina Barberio, all of Florida, and Grace Castello of Utica; and her many dear friends, especially acknowledging her lifelong friend, Philomena Ficchi. The family extends a special thank-you to Frances’ nephew, Joseph Zumbo, Jr. for the loving care, devotion, concern, and compassion he offered his aunt. Thanks also to the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their loving attention and comfort; the family was deeply impressed by the care rendered to Frances, especially acknowledging the efforts of Christine, Crystal, Ann, and Terry. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, memorial donations in Frances’ honor may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Frances’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mrs. Francesca E. "Frances" (Zumbo) Barberio Castello

December 1, 1934 - April 9, 2014