Grace Ann Marino

N. UTICA – Grace Ann Marino passed away peacefully in her sleep and became an angel on Monday, June 12, 2023, in the comfort and dignity of her own home, at the age of 64. She is now in the arms of the Lord and reunited with her Daddy, sister Antionette and brother Pat. Grace was born on September 29, 1958, to Vita R. (Casullo) Marino and the late Anthony F. Marino. At the tender age of two, she began to show signs of regression of neural development, which caused a need for many of her needs to be attended to on many levels. She was tiny but she was mighty! She had her own ability to share her inner needs and humor. She survived so many obstacles with grace and was truly a blessed and innocent soul. Gracie was paramount in the Marino household; she was given unconditional love. From the time of Gracie’s birth, her mother Vita mentally and physically protected her with such affection and amazing care. Gracie was a light in the lives of her family. She was so special, and so loved. Music soothed her soul. Her tender smile and her nonverbal actions told them of her needs, wants, and joyful inner feelings. The Marino family never saw Gracie as a burden, but instead as their greatest blessing. Gracie influenced her family caretakers’ souls, always the center of the home. She was a true inspiration. When she was a child her dad and mom would take her for rides in the car and boat rides on Oneida Lake. Chocolate ice cream was her favorite! At family gatherings for holidays and other events, Gracie’s needs were always taken care of first. Her family was her circle, and she was the Queen Bee. Memories of Gracie’s life will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her so dearly. Grace is survived by her devoted mother, Vita; as well as her beloved and remarkable sister, Vita DelBuono and Steve Altieri. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law Arthur “Archie” Gaetano. She cherished the memories of her sister Antionette Marie (Marino) Gaetano; and her brother Patrick A. “Pat” Marino. She is additionally survived by her nieces and nephews, Annette Gaetano, Paul DelBuono, and Anthony DelBuono; and her great-niece and great-nephews, Amyah, Gino, and Grayson. She also leaves several cousins, including and memorably Rosemarie Pastorella. She is predeceased by her paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents; and her uncles and aunts. Her family would like to extend a special thank you to a host of wonderful caretakers who were part of the family. Nema was her special companion and referred to her as Gracie Boo, the connection and love between Nema and her Gracie Boo were like no other, the compassion and care shown will never be forgotten; Frederika was there at the time of her passing and was gentle and soothing with her care; Lydia, who called her Miss Gracie, was extremely attentive to Gracie’s needs, and Sandra also provided excellent care. Dr. Francis Chabot was an intern when he first met the family, and has remained an amazing physician and friend, and the family is so grateful. The likes of this type of medical attention was incredibly comforting and an example of great humanity. By family request please omit floral offerings. Memorial contributions may be made in Grace’s memory to Upstate Caring Partners at www.upstatecp.org. and/or the RCIL at www.rcil.com Envelopes will also be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Mary Mother of Our Savior Parish – Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee Street. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the mass. Entombment will take place in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Grace Ann Marino

September 29, 1958 - June 12, 2023