Hazel M. Nunziata

Hazel M. Nunziata, age 74, crossed over to her Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. During her last days, she was privileged to be baptized. Born in Utica on May 17, 1940, Hazel was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Wentworth) Richlin. She was raised in the Utica area. At one time, she was married to Victor Nunziata and to that relationship came the blessing of three children. Hazel was currently working in her vocation as a seamstress at the Human Technologies Corporation. She loved her job because it gave her a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and respect. A woman of tenacity and resolve, Hazel was the “lord of the jungle”; she sought respect and always demanded the best effort from those she cared for. As the eldest child of her entire family, she was held in high regard for her sense of discipline and loving nature. She was also caring, humorous, and forthright. Hazel was ‘old school’ and her desire was to raise well-mannered, respectful children who were ready to face the world with open minds and open hearts. She knew each of her children and acknowledged their individual needs and personalities. They respected her presence and feared her ‘loving wrath’ if they were out of line. In her circle of life, she could be counted on to provide whatever was needed for her family. Her relationship with her grandchildren was truly unique, as each of them had a special and important role in her life. Hazel was an experienced cook, and she will be remembered for her savory sauce, Thanksgiving stuffing (assisted by her sister, Rosie), macaroni and potato salad, and her appetizing goulash. She was fond of friendly card games and Bingo at the former Sons of Italy. During her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, especially blankets. She looked forward to gathering with friends and family for the annual Frog Fest at Verona Beach State Park, attending Catholic Charity dinners with friends, playing matching games, solitaire, and word search games, and of course rooting for the NY Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and NY Giants. A member of the Redeemer Church, Hazel flourished in her faith in the Lord and shared spiritual insight and camaraderie with her church congregation. Hazel is survived by her daughter, Victoria Rojas and her son, Elvis A. Nunziata. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Joanne May Thompson, who passed away on April 18, 2012. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Dana, Kimberly, Jonathan, Joshua, Justin, Cortney, Gino, Brenden, Angelyce, Sienna, and Faith; her great-granddaughter, Starr-Mya; Hazel’s companion, John; Noel Carretaro, her football buddy and friend of over 30 years, her sisters, Donna Lee, Molly Coonrod, Mary Everett, Florence Barksdale, Rosie Watkins, Colleen Stanek, and Margaret Hart; her brothers, Joseph Watkins, Albert Watkins, Marty Richlin, Richard Richlin, and Michael Richlin; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her dear friend, Grace Simons, who was helpful to the end. A special thank you to Margaret Hart and Melissa Liss for their ability to stay with Hazel, when no one else could. She was predeceased by her brothers, William Watkins, John Watkins, and William Richlin. The family is grateful to Pat Rosati NP, the St. Elizabeth Medical Center 4th Floor staff, especially acknowledging Registered Nurses, Naida, Onama, Mary Ann, Katie, Steve, and Arianna, assisted by Dan “the Man”; for providing the best care and respect that any family could ask for. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, December 20, from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Hazel’s Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor Mike Servello officiating the ceremony.

Hazel M. Nunziata

May 17, 1940 - December 13, 2014