Mrs. Gloria R. (Peppenelli) Pandolfo

UTICA/LIVONIA, NY - Mrs. Gloria R. (Peppenelli) Pandolfo, age 94, went to heaven and was welcomed by her husband and daughter when she passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019. Born in Utica on May 10, 1925, Gloria was the daughter of the late Giovanni “John” and Maria Grace (Palazzo) Peppenelli. She attended T.R. Proctor High School. On June 21, 1947 she was united with Philip L. Pandolfo in a marriage of their era, and from that day forward, a great love for one another and family lived in their hearts. Philip passed away on February 20, 1976. Gloria was retired from St. Luke’s Hospital where she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the Intensive Care Unit. Her compassion and competence made her well suited for her career choice, and she met the demands of the job with grace and respect. At work and at home, Gloria was a gracious, gentle-hearted woman who loved people. She had a sincere heart and was old-school in her manners. “Please” and “Thank you” were a prominent part of her vocabulary. She had a passion for cooking and smiled when others enjoyed her food. Later in life, she was the sous-chef of the kitchen giving directions to the next generation of cooks. She was a voracious reader of the Observer-Dispatch and was fond of playing pinochle and gin rummy. When she lived in Utica, Gloria worshipped at Historic Old St. John’s Church. Her faith sustained her, and she routinely prayed the Rosary. When she could no longer attend Mass, she viewed it on television. Gloria hailed from a large family and knew many people over the years, but looking back, the best years of her life were when her husband and children were her nucleus. She was grateful to be the mother of two daughters who doted on her and held her in admiration, and when her grandchildren came, she knew a new kind of love. She showed character during her entire life and gained the love and respect of so many of her family and friends. They were the memories of a lifetime. To the very end, she was blessed to have her mental faculties which was the greatest gift God granted her. Gloria is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Maria Pandolfo and Stanley Siuta; close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Eleanor M. Visalli who passed away on February 13, 2016. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Visalli; grandchildren, Philip and Alaina Visalli, Christopher and Melissa Visalli, and Nicholas Visalli. Nick provided so much comfort to her, and she lit up when he visited and cared for her. He was a constant presence in her life especially since his mom’s passing, and no one could take his place. She also leaves her great-grandchildren, Bennett Raymond, and Violet Grace Visalli. She was blessed with many nieces and nephews, especially Maria Isgro and Diana Isgro who shared a special closeness with their aunt. Her nieces Theresa Schambach and Mary Anne Secor have been a steady presence in her life. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marie Pandolfo; special friends, Diane Mullally, and Tina Caggese. She also shared a special bond with one of her several godchildren, Jesse Cerminaro. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Nicholas Puleo, Mary Peppenelli, Angeline Peppenelli, and Dorothy and Ed Nofri; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Eunice Peppenelli, James and Antoinette Peppenelli, John and Cecelia Peppenelli, and Anthony and Lucy Peppenelli; in-laws, Rosalie and Joseph Isgro, Anthony Pandolfo, Dolores Pandolfo, Theresa Pandolfo, and John and Mary Granieri; godmother, Mary Maggiolino; and several nieces and nephews who preceded her. The family extends their gratitude to Sister Sharon Whellahan and Father John Buehler for her spiritual guidance in times of need. Many thanks go to the nurses and staff at the Conesus Lake Nursing home, especially Patty, Dana, and Brenda. These outstanding ladies became an integral part of her life and treated her like family. Certainly many others, too numerous to name, were very special to Gloria. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., Utica. Gloria’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will follow graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mrs. Gloria R. (Peppenelli) Pandolfo

May 10, 1925 - August 5, 2019