Giacinta J. "Gia" Asselta

Giacinta J. “Gia” Asselta, age 71, of Utica, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Heritage Health Care Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on March 19, 1941, Giacinta was the daughter of the late Anthony J. and Antoinette (Grillo) Asselta. Raised and educated locally, she graduated with honors from Utica Free Academy with the Class of 1959. She continued her studies at Potsdam College receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1963. She then attended Syracuse University earning her Masters degree in Science Education in 1969. Gia began her teaching career at the New York Mills Elementary School at the Main Street location where she taught Art during her 25 year tenure. She took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad, taking courses and learning about the cultures of foreign places including Perugia, Italy, and Spain. A success in her own right, Gia was a multi-media artist gifted in painting, sculpting, and pottery. Throughout the years, her creative works were displayed at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute. In addition to her innate talents, she was also an adoring daughter blessed with a pleasing personality. A snapshot of Gia’s life would include memories of her being a caretaker by nature, lovingly tending to her late father. She took pleasure in doing all tasks with great grace and commitment. A talented seamstress, she was proficient at crocheting and knitting. Gia enjoyed the winter sports of downhill skiing and figure skating which she also taught. She did volunteer work with much compassion at the Utica Rescue Mission and was a communicant of The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Gia is survived by her brothers and sister-in-law, Marcell J. Asselta of Whitesboro, and John A. and Patricia (Dimeo) Asselta of Endwell, NY; her nieces and nephews, Christopher and Denise Asselta, Paul and Krin Asselta, and Marshall Asselta; John P. Asselta, and Lynda Arcuri; great-nieces and great-nephews, Victoria Asselta, and Stephen Asselta; Lauren Arcuri, Michael Arcuri, and Nicole Arcuri; and cousins. She was predeceased by her nephew, Michael “Whitey” Arcuri. The family is grateful and wishes to thank the staff of the Heritage Healthcare Center and The Utica Rescue Mission for their wonderful care and friendship. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00-11:00 at The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee Street, Utica. In lieu of floral offerings, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to The Utica Rescue Mission or to the Heritage Healthcare Center; envelopes will be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at the church upon conclusion of visitation where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Lukasz Kozlowski. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Giacinta J. "Gia" Asselta

March 19, 1941 - May 18, 2012