Mrs. Josephine (Danella) Zangrilli

Mrs. Josephine (Danella) Zangrilli, age 85, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc., after a valiant year long fight against ovarian cancer. At the time of her passing, she was comforted by the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on October 27, 1925, Josephine was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mildred (Tedesco) Danella. Raised and educated locally, she attended St. Francis deSales High School and furthered her education at the Utica School of Commerce. On May 2, 1946 she married Anthony L. “Tony” Zangrilli with whom she shared 65 years in a union based on love happiness, and harmony. Josephine worked as the secretary/treasurer in the family concern, Thomas Danella Furs, a landmark establishment located on Genesee Street in downtown Utica for many years. But it was Josephine’s avocation that was so uplifting and heartwarming. She was a very talented, well known soprano who sang at many weddings and funerals. Her first performance came at the age of 4 when she stood upon her seat at the movie theater and sang “Ramona”, a cappella! She went on to perform with choral societies and operatic performances with the Utica Opera Guild and the Mohawk Valley Opera Society, first in the chorus and then in leading roles in La Boheme, Suor Angelica, Cavalleria Ruticana, and Carmen. She sang in various church choirs, and for the past 33 years she performed as a soloist with her home parish, Historic Old St. John’s Church. She was an active member of the Utica Etude Club and past President of the B-Sharp Musical Club where she worked on many scholarship committees and fundraising functions for both groups. She was a member of the Cedar Lake Golf Club and the Utica Curling Club. She had the honor of singing for Vice President George H.W. Bush, with a state trooper car running, waiting to whisk her to St. John’s to punctually perform with the choir! She also performed for many of the Mayor’s breakfast gatherings; for Charlton Heston; and with cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich. At home and at her leisure, she loved to knit and crochet, and over the years she made all of her children and grandchildren a beautiful keepsake afghan. She could be found knitting while waiting her turn to sing at rehearsals for the many operas and shows in which she performed. But above all, she loved her family and was very adamant about keeping the holiday traditions alive for the sake of following generations. She enjoyed baking and always had a full cookie jar. She was making biscotti right up until the time of her last hospital stay. She was fond of joining her in-laws for coffee every Friday afternoon, and also meeting her cousins for lunch every month. She and Dad spent many summer afternoons sitting under their apple tree, enjoying their espresso. Josephine is survived by her husband, Anthony; her daughters and sons-in-law, Bernadette and Jerry DeMauro of New Hartford, Donna and Dennis Osano of Deerfield, and Nancy Zangrilli Manley of Utica. Always cherished in her heart was the memory of her son-in-law, Thomas L. Manley, Sr., who passed away on September 4, 1997. She also leaves her sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony, Jr. and Coleen Zangrilli of the Villages, FL, and Christopher and Linda Zangrilli of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Joseph and Joanne DeMauro of N. Carolina, Gina and Alyx Axel, and Michael DeMauro, all of Albany, Jacob and Judy Zangrilli of Germantown, MD, Rachael Zangrilli of Baltimore, MD, Dian and Major Jonathan Roginski U.S. Army, stationed in Watertown, Anthony III and Mollie Zangrilli of Ballston Lake, NY, Eric Zangrilli of Utica, Jason and Maryellen Zangrilli of New Hartford, and Steven and Danielle Zangrilli of Utica. She also leaves 9 great grandchildren. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Barbara Zangrilli of Whitesboro, and Mary Grace Guerra of Utica. Josephine was also blessed with many wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Guy A. Danella; and her in-laws, Anne and Alfred Pardi, Albert A. Zangrilli, Raymond, Sr. and Palma “Polly” Zangrilli, John J. and Philomena Zangrilli, and Paul Guerra. The family is grateful to Fr. John Buehler for his friendship and spiritual guidance. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Josephine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday 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 by Fr. John Buehler. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mrs. Josephine (Danella) Zangrilli

October 27, 1925 - September 6, 2011