Mrs. Giovanna "Gianna" (Spataro) Cutrona

UTICA – Mrs. Giovanna “Gianna” (Spataro) Cutrona, age 88, peacefully passed into the arms of our Lord and the Virgin Mary on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by her adoring family. Born in Ardore, Provincia di Calabria, Italy, on September 2, 1937, Gianna was the daughter of the late Bruno and Iolanda (Rianó) Spataro. She immigrated to the United States in 1958 with her mother, three younger brothers, and sister. Her father had come earlier to Lancaster, NY, where he secured employment. Her eldest brother, Pepe, had found work in Utica and encouraged the family to follow, and they all did! Together with her family, she lived the American dream they had worked so hard to achieve. They purchased land and built a home, constructed by her father and her brother Pepe, which is now home to another family with a similar history—blessings to them. Gianna began working at Kordeen Company and later gained employment with the Joseph and Fiess Company, where she spent most of her career. She was a hardworking woman who never offered an excuse for missing a day’s work. A wonderful seamstress, she was precise with every stitch of fabric. In 1960, Gianna and Vincenzo “Enzo” Cutrona knew in their hearts and hopes that their lives would be joined. Thus, she returned to Italy with her mother to make the marriage arrangements and were joined in matrimony. Though they loved each other deeply, they were separated for a time due to immigration laws. Enzo finally came to the United States in 1962, thus reuniting the Cutrona and Spataro families. Gianna was fiercely loyal and completely selfless in her devotion to her family. She was determined to help anyone in need, especially her and Enzo’s only daughter, Angelina. They encouraged her to pursue her goals with determination throughout her education at Hamilton College, Cornell University, and Albany Law School/Union University, allowing her to graduate without debts. Angelina meant everything to her parents, and they loved her deeply. Giovanna was honest, forthright, and few possessed the kindness and generosity that she carried so naturally every day of her life. She helped make all the good things happen in her family’s life, always with sincerity, compassion, and a tireless working nature. Gianna set goals and achieved them. She was incredibly resourceful, able to prepare beautiful meals from simple ingredients and create thoughtful solutions to any challenge. She was skillful, creative, and the backbone of her household, yet she also possessed the strength to express her personal feelings—always for the betterment of others, never for personal gain. Gianna kept a warm and welcoming home, meticulously tidied with care. She was also a devoted gardener whose flowers, plants, and trees were spectacular—true masterpieces. Though off character for her, she showed some distress when the hungry deer were drawn to her rose garden! Known for creating outstanding meals from the simplest yet highest-quality ingredients, Gianna embraced the beauty of garden-to-table cooking. The garden at her home, as well as the family lots in Frankfort, produced an abundance of vegetables, which she carefully preserved through canning and pickling for the winter months. The feasts she prepared were rooted in simplicity, yet elevated by her skill, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Strong-natured, sincere, and genuine—Gianna was determined to succeed at any task she undertook. She faithfully walked many miles to help manage her diabetes, always remaining committed to her health and well-being. As a devoted parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, with a faith-filled heart, she lovingly supported religious traditions and generously gave of her time and talent to the annual festival, assisting in the preparation of the famous pizza fritta and attending the many celebrations surrounding the event. She adored Saint Rosalia and gave of her heart by attending the annual feast. Gianna supported an orphanage in Italy dedicated to St. Anthony, the patron saint she cherished, demonstrating her compassion and concern for the well-being of children. Gianna is survived by her devoted love, Enzo; beloved daughter, Angelina Cutrona Hess and her husband, Alan; and her siblings and their spouses, Mario and Phyllis Spataro, Dominick and Teresa Spataro; and Maria and Alfredo Valentini. She fondly remembered her brothers, Giuseppe “Joe” “Pepe” Spataro, who preceded her on July 11, 2019, and Carlo Spataro, who passed away on November 18, 2025. Gianna also leaves to cherish her memory her nieces and nephews, Bruno Spataro and Rosemary LaBella-Spataro, Yolanda Roefaro, Michael and Michele Spataro, Victor Spataro and Francine LaBella-Spataro, Olga and Richard Siegenthaler; MarieAngela and Andrew Kopek, Anthony J. Spataro; Nicholas and Kristina Spataro, Christina Spataro and Wayne Bertino; and Arianna and Nick Huffield; great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, many cousins in Italy; and a brother-in-law and his wife, Tonino and Tita Cutrona who reside in Italy. Gianna was also blessed with many friendships throughout her lifetime. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Masonic Care Community of NY, especially the Forestport Household and those who tended to her with much compassion and respect. She was truly well cared for. Special thanks are also extended to the nursing staff, social worker, and hairdresser for their kindness and devoted attention. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Giovanna’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Giovanna’s honor may be made to the CNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association online at www.alz.org/centralnewyork; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mrs. Giovanna "Gianna" (Spataro) Cutrona

September 2, 1937 - February 8, 2026