Katherine L. "Rena" Siracusa

Mrs. Katherine L. (Gemelli) Siracusa, age 73, of New Hartford, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her family by her side. Born in Utica on August 27, 1932, Katherine was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Bertucci) Gemelli. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On May 14, 1952 she married Salvatore G. “Sam” Siracusa with whom she has shared a union of 54 years. Theirs has been a beautiful marriage filled with steadfast support for one another. Mrs. Siracusa was employed in sales for the Avon Co. for 44 years. In fact, she was so adept in her career that she was a “top sales associate” in this area. In addition, Katherine was a conscientious and dedicated homemaker. She loved to be with her family and enjoyed cooking their favorite dishes and preparing special recipes. She was always attentive to the needs and interests of her loved ones: the affection, support, and guidance which she bestowed upon her children extended to her grandchildren as well. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Mrs. Siracusa is survived by her husband, Salvatore, known to family and friends as “Sam”; and her 4 children and their spouses, Alice M. and Thomas Ellis of Whitesboro, Paul and Janice Siracusa of Goshen NY, Gina and Vincent Pristera of New Hartford, and Salvatore M. and Dawn Siracusa of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michael Ellis; Elissa, Matthew, and Taylor Siracusa; Brianna and Krista Pristera; and Brittani and Shannèe Siracusa. In addition, her survivors include a sister, Maryanna Gemelli; 3 brothers and a sister-in-law, Jerome Gemelli, John and Val Gemelli, and Richard Gemelli; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Ashley Pristera; a brother, Joseph Gemelli; and a sister, Laura Laurey. The family offers its sincere thanks to Dr. Sloan for his compassion toward Katherine and his support to her family. In keeping with the family’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, pleased consider memorial contributions in Katherine’s honor to a charity of choice. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mrs. Siracusa’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated this afternoon (Friday) at 1:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Katherine L. "Rena" Siracusa

August 27, 1932 - May 31, 2006